Grande Rio unveils African‑heritage theme for Carnival 2027

Samba school Grande Rio announced its 2027 Carnival theme, "Sankofa Tabon: Os Retornados da Costa do Ouro e a Estrela Negra da Liberdade," a narrative that follows freed Africans who returned to Ghana in the 19th century and explores the Sankofa philosophy of looking backward while moving forward. The concept was created by carnavalesco Antônio Gonzaga with research by Jader Moraes and will guide the school's samba‑enredo, visual design and musical direction.

The school also disclosed plans to strengthen its bateria after two years of lower judges’ scores. New interpreter Ito Melodia and research into Ghanaian rhythms are being incorporated. Master of bateria Fafá said, "When you receive a 9.9 … I take the judges’ justification as advice and will work to regain the lost points," emphasizing humility and dedication to reach a perfect score in the next parade.