Feb 17 • 21:26 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Gaviões da Fiel Vice, Dragões da Real in 3rd, Mancha Verde in 2nd Division: The Performance of Schools Linked to Football Fans in the SP Carnival

The 2026 São Paulo Carnival concluded with Mocidade Alegre as the champion, while football-related schools Gaviões da Fiel and Dragões da Real placed second and third, respectively.

The 2026 São Paulo Carnival has drawn to a close, showcasing various samba schools, culminating in Mocidade Alegre's victory. Among those related to football clubs, Gaviões da Fiel, representing Corinthians, achieved a commendable vice-championship finish, garnering a total of 269.7 points, just a tenth of a point behind the winner. Similarly, Dragões da Real, affiliated with São Paulo FC, landed in third place with 269.6 points, proving to be just as competitive as Gaviões da Fiel, with only marginal differences in scoring.

In addition to the top performers, multiple samba schools connected to organized fan groups participated, with five schools vying for recognition in the Special Group and three others in the Access Group. Notably, Mancha Verde, representing Palmeiras, made its debut in the B Series of the carnival after previously competing in the higher tiers. Despite a strong performance and achieving 269.4 points, Mancha Verde fell short of securing promotion back to the elite tier, tying with Pérola Negra and losing out based on tiebreaker criteria. This year's performances further solidify the integration of Brazilian football culture with the festive spirit of Carnival, emphasizing the passion and artistry entwined in these community representations.

The outcomes of the Carnival also reflect the broader tension and rivalry between the local football clubs, as the performances are celebrated not just in terms of art but also as expressions of club identity. The competitive nature of these samba schools adds a layer of excitement to the event, illustrating how the fervor for football permeates into cultural festivities. The results may influence fan engagement and how these samba schools structure their preparations for next year's carnival, as they seek not only to represent their clubs but also to achieve artistic excellence in the process.

📡 Similar Coverage