Rio de Janeiro samba schools enter final 2027 Carnival anthem selections

Rio de Janeiro's samba schools are entering the final stages of selecting their samba-enredos for the 2027 Carnival. The selection process is seeing significant digital engagement, with live broadcasts on Rio Carnaval TV via YouTube accumulating over 2 million views.

Imperatriz Leopoldinense is hosting its grand final this Friday to choose between three competing sambas: Samba 04 (Josimar e cia), Samba 05 (Hélio Porto e cia), and Samba 07 (Me Leva e cia). Tickets for the event at the school's quadra sold out within two hours. The theme for the upcoming parade is ‘A Memória do Rei e o Sumiço de Dona Júlia’, developed by carnival designer Leandro Vieira.

The weekend of selections continues with União de Maricá on Friday, followed by the current champion Unidos do Viradouro on Saturday, and Acadêmicos do Grande Rio on Sunday. This broadcasting initiative is a partnership between Liesa and the Maricá public culture and tourism company, MARÉ, aimed at democratizing access to the preparations behind the scenes.