Ideval Anselmo, a celebrated composer in the samba-enredo genre, died on February 18 at the age of 85 in São Paulo. His passing on Ash Wednesday is particularly poignant as it symbolizes the end of the carnival season to which he dedicated over fifty years of his life. Anselmo is widely recognized as a historical figure in São Paulo's samba scene, having contributed to the vibrant musical landscape that characterizes the city's famed carnival.

Born on September 18, 1940, in Catanduva, Anselmo grew up in a financially constrained family that nurtured his musical aspirations. He was surrounded by music from a young age, as both his grandparents were musically inclined, with his grandfather playing the accordion and his father mastering the cavaquinho. Anselmo honed his craft in the municipal music school and went on to create notable works, including the samba-enredo "Narainã, a Alvorada dos Pássaros," which was hailed as the "samba of the century" by Folha de S.Paulo and is often regarded as the greatest samba in the history of São Paulo's carnival.

Anselmo's legacy is more than just his compositions; it reflects the cultural heart of São Paulo and the rich traditions of Brazilian carnival. His works have influenced generations of musicians and samba schools, ensuring that the spirit of samba-enredo will live on regardless of his passing. The outpouring of tributes upon his death highlights his significance in Brazilian music and the profound impact he had on the carnival culture, which remains a staple of Brazil's national identity.