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Writer's pictureJon Aveyard

What are the samba schools of Brazil?



Brazillian Samba Parade

Although most people involved in samba drumming in the UK take part in this activity as a member of a community group, you may have heard of the samba schools of Brazil. These are often very large in size, sometimes several thousand people, and are attached to particular geographical areas. Most of the Brazilian states have their own samba school. Cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have several samba schools of their own. The samba schools prepare performances each year and compete against each other.


Each year, the samba schools will choose their own theme. Of the Rio de Janeiro samba schools, Mangueira and Portela - the schools who have won the most titles - often choose themes that refer to Brazilian history and culture. Mangueira’s often also have a political message speaking of diversity and inclusivity. Other Rio de Janeiro samba schools with political messages include Imperatriz who often focus on environmental issues and Paraiso do Tuiuti who focus more on contemporary social issues. In contrast, Unidos da Tijuca have used more unusual themes such as time travel and outer space.


Having chosen a title, the samba school will typically have a competition to choose the song that they will use as part of their performance. The schools will arrange music around this song as well as designing and making a float and costumes. Each school’s performance will typically include hundreds of drummers alongside string instruments (e.g. guitars), singers, dancers and other people walking with them as honoured and/or experienced members of the school.




Brazillian samba drummers

The events at which the samba schools compete began in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The samba schools compete by presenting their performances in specially designed arenas called Sambadromes. It is after the two-day Rio de Janeiro samba school competition that the famous Rio de Janeiro carnival takes place.


Although their focus is on preparing performance material for carnivals and other events, the samba schools often serve important additional functions. As well as being a means of generating community spirit and a major source of employment in often poor areas of the country, the samba schools are tied to the political activities of the area and will play a part in making sure that the people of their neighbourhood receive support in education and health. 


It is an honour to be part of a musical tradition that connects so meaningfully with the people of its home country. If you would like to find out more about joining the Worldwise Samba Drummers or booking us for a performance, please use the Join Us and Contact Us links on the website.

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