The Special Group of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival begins this Sunday (15) featuring some of the most successful samba schools in the history of the event. Among the schools performing, Portela, which has won 22 titles, will take the stage as the third act, followed by Mangueira, with 20 victories. Also competing in this prestigious lineup is Imperatriz, known for its nine championships, and the newcomer Acadêmicos de Niterói, who are debuting in the elite category of samba after winning the Série Ouro last year.

Each samba school participating this night is set to pay homage to important figures and narratives that resonate deeply within Brazilian culture. For instance, Portela will honor Brazil's president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, while Mangueira will celebrate the artistic contributions of singer Ney Matogrosso. Additionally, the performance from Imperatriz will showcase the rich history of Custódio Joaquim de Almeida, recognized as the Prince of Bará, portraying the journey from Africa to southern Brazil. This thematic engagement adds layers of meaning to the Carnival performances, melding festivities with cultural acknowledgments.

As the event unfolds, g1 will provide comprehensive coverage, broadcasting live the entire series of special group parades and offering insights into school highlights, excerpts from the performances, and updates on the happenings at Sapucaí. This carnival not only reflects a key aspect of Rio's cultural identity but also serves as a platform for social and political dialogue, emphasizing the interconnectedness of celebration and historical context in Brazilian society.