On Saturday, March 21, the iconic Marquês de Sapucaí in Rio de Janeiro came alive with a vibrant prelude before the Champions' Parade, featuring performances by popular Brazilian artists João Gomes, Michel Teló, and Leo Santana. These artists entertained the crowds with energetic shows alongside famed samba interpreters from three leading samba schools, setting the stage for the exciting atmosphere of the parade which includes the six top samba schools from the special group.

The event took place after heavy rainfall affected various areas in Rio, including the capital and surrounding regions, yet this did not dampen the spirits of attendees who gathered early at the Sambódromo. The performances were a collaborative effort with celebrated samba figures like Wander Pires from Viradouro, Jéssica Martin of Beija-Flor, and Pitty de Menezes from Imperatriz Leopoldinense, all contributing to the lively pre-parade festivities.

This year’s pre-parade shows continued the tradition of featuring big-name artists who had entertained the crowds in previous years, such as Anitta and Ivete Sangalo. The success of these musical performances not only highlights the deep cultural connection between samba music and the carnival festivities but also reinforces the importance of such events in uniting the local community with Brazilian popular music.