Brazil samba schools begin preparations for Carnaval 2027

Various samba schools in Brazil have begun preparations and competitions for the 2027 Carnival season.

In Maricá, União de Maricá has initiated the process to select a samba-enredo honoring Darcy Ribeiro, with a total prize pool of R$ 100,000 for the winning partnership. In São Paulo, the Pérola Negra school announced its theme will be a tribute to the samba legend Jovelina Pérola Negra.

In Rio de Janeiro, several major schools are holding preliminary competitions. Mocidade is conducting quarterfinals for its theme ‘Latinamente Independente’, while Salgueiro is holding intense elimination rounds centered on the history of Xica da Silva. Additionally, Portela is in the final stages of selecting a samba to honor the legendary Monarco.