The Rio de Janeiro Sambadrome arena hosted a spectacular finale to this year’s carnival, showcasing six of the best samba schools from the competition. Among the highlights, the drum group 'Unidos do Viradouro' was declared the winner earlier in the week, delivering an inspiring performance in honor of the school's long-time leader. Other performances celebrated Afro-Brazilian traditions and historical themes, adding depth to the festivities.

One notable performance honored President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, igniting political discourse as opposition parties perceived it as a campaign move ahead of the upcoming presidential elections. Meanwhile, the samba school 'Uniao de Marica' triumphed in the lower league competition, securing a spot in the elite league for next year's carnival, illustrating the ongoing tradition and competitive spirit of samba.

Outside the Sambadrome, the carnival attracted hundreds of thousands of revelers, with pop star Anitta leading her traditional bloco through the city center. According to the city’s tourism agency 'Riotur', over 700,000 people participated in the festivities, despite the nearly 30 degrees Celsius heat, as the city government anticipated a vibrant carnival period filled with joy and cultural celebration, marking another successful iteration of this iconic event.