Viradouro has claimed the championship title of the Special Group of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival for the year 2026, marking the school's fourth victory in its history. With this recent win, Viradouro now ranks sixth among the samba schools with the most titles in the Rio carnival, sharing this position with Unidos da Tijuca.

The article highlights the prestigious history of Rio's samba schools, noting that Portela is the most successful school with 22 titles, with its first win dating back to 1939. The narrative traces Portela's journey from its inception in 1923 as a rural bloc to becoming a central figure in the carnival, showcasing its significance in Brazilian culture and community pride. Mangueira, in second place, boasts 20 titles, with its latest victory in 2019, exemplifying the competitive spirit and rich tradition of samba schools in the annual celebrations.

The carnival remains a cultural cornerstone in Brazil, with these samba schools not only competing for titles but also representing their neighborhoods and communities. The continued success of schools like Viradouro and Portela underscores the importance of samba as a vibrant expression of Brazilian identity, with implications for cultural tourism and local pride during the carnival season.