Mancha Verde is defeated by Pérola Negra and remains in the Access Group for the second consecutive year
Mancha Verde, a samba school from São Paulo, is relegated to the Access Group for a second consecutive year after losing to Pérola Negra in the Carnival competition.
The Mancha Verde samba school was defeated by Pérola Negra, leading them to remain in Access Group 1 of São Paulo's Carnival for the second consecutive year. The decision followed a competition held on Tuesday, where both schools finished tied for vice-leadership. However, Pérola Negra was declared the vice-champion based on tie-breaker criteria that favored them, highlighting the significance of scoring in such competitive events.
Founded by the supporters of the Palmeiras football club, Mancha Verde showcased its samba-enredo, 'Pelas mãos do mensageiro do Axé, a lição de Odu Obará: a humildade', referencing the Yoruba legend of Odu Obará. This theme emphasized the virtues of humility and perseverance, providing a cultural narrative that aims to resonate with the audience. The performance at the Anhembi Sambadrome was a rehash of a past parade from 2012, demonstrating the school's effort to stay connected to its roots.
Despite their strong presentation, the outcome of the competition means that Mancha Verde will remain in the lower tier of samba schools, impacting its future funding, visibility, and status in subsequent years. Samba schools in Brazil often rely on such competitions for prestige and resources, and staying in Access Group could hinder their ambitions of joining the elite in the future. This ongoing struggle exemplifies the competitive nature of Carnival and the broader cultural importance it holds.