Brazilian samba schools Mangueira and Portela launch cultural initiatives for Carnival

The Estação Primeira de Mangueira unveiled a photo editorial featuring master‑sala Matheus Olivério and porta‑bandeira Cíntya Santos. Inspired by the "Casal do Dendê", the shoot draws on the energies of the orixás Xangô and Iansã and previews visual elements for Mangueira’s 2027 carnival theme "Oyá Por nós".

Portela’s porta‑bandeira Squel Jorge and master‑sala Vinícius Jesus are hosting free dance workshops at the Academia de Artes Carnavalescas (ABAC) on 8 August. The sessions, open to participants aged 7 to 70, aim to train new talent and support vulnerable communities, offering both master‑sala and porta‑bandeira instruction for the upcoming carnival season.