The last night of the Special Group parades in Sapucaí, Rio de Janeiro, held between the night of Tuesday, February 17, and the early morning of Wednesday, February 18, was a vibrant celebration filled with strong samba-enredo performances. One of the highlights was the Unidos de Vila Isabel parade, which showcased the theme "Macumbembê, samborembá: I dreamed that a samba artist dreamed of Africa," honoring the talented composer and painter Heitor dos Prazeres. The audience was engaged as they were encouraged to light up their mobile phones, adding to the festive atmosphere. In addition to the compelling samba songs, the night was marked by the debut of social media personality Virginia Fonseca as the queen of drums for the Grande Rio samba school, which led to some chaos in the proceedings. This dynamic introduction highlighted the merging of traditional samba culture with contemporary influences, drawing attention from various media outlets and the public alike. This intersection of old and new helped to create a unique experience for attendees, as different generations of samba enthusiasts came together to celebrate. The performances featured intense emotional expressions as schools paid tribute to various cultural icons and their influences on samba. The night was filled with enthusiasm as fans chanted and performed, particularly during the rhythmic breaks in the music, reflecting the deeply rooted essence of samba as a form of communal joy and cultural identity. With the performances being among the best of the year according to experts, the parades reinforce Rio de Janeiro's reputation as a cradle of samba culture and artistry, captivating spectators from across the nation and beyond.