The jurors of the Rio Carnival must adhere to strict rules that include being confined in a hotel without electronic devices and following controlled bathroom breaks to ensure confidentiality in their scoring.
During the three days of the Special Group parades, 54 jurors of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival live under strict regulations aimed at ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of their scoring. These jurors are required to surrender their cell phones and electronic devices, remain 'quartered' in a hotel, and travel to the Sambadrome exclusively on buses organized by the League of Samba Schools (Liesa). Once on Avenida, their breaks are closely monitored, underscoring the importance placed on transparency and impartiality in the judging process.
Thiago Farias, the coordinator for the jurors at Liesa, shared insights on the preparations that the evaluators undergo before the carnival festivities begin. According to Farias, each juror participates in two symposiums and two courses to hone their knowledge and skills. This level of training reflects the high stakes and artistry involved in the carnival, as the jurors evaluate various aspects of the performances.
In an interesting development for this year, the judging criteria were expanded to provide more detailed assessments. Previously familiar categories such as 'Bateria,' 'Harmonia,' and 'Samba-enredo' have now been subdivided into 26 more specific elements, including 'Cadência,' 'Fluência,' and 'Funcionalidade.' This evolution in the judging process aims to enhance the accuracy and depth of evaluations, ensuring that every intricate detail of the mesmerizing carnival performances is duly recognized and scored accordingly.
