Rio de Janeiro’s samba schools parade at Carnival despite storms

Thunder, lighting and heavy rain fell on Rio de Janeiro on Sunday (February 15) night at the height of Brazilian carnival, but the samba schools set to open the elite group parades were not disheartened.

Friday (February 13) and Saturday (February 14) saw the Grupo A, or second league schools, battle it out for their place in the Grupo Especial, or elite group, whose two-day show was opened on Sunday by Viradouro school.

The red and white school became overall carnival champions in 1997 but dropped down into the second league for many years before claiming the top spot of Grupo A last year giving them a hotly contested place amongst the elite group in 2015.

For those representing the school, the excitement to be back among the stars was huge, as drummer, Daniel Abreu, told Reuters backstage.

"After the school had a bit of a gap before stepping up once again into the elite group, I think it is going to be a real pleasure to be back. And despite the rain which is getting in the way a bit, we are going to go into the stadium with the same determination which we parade with every year. The crowds can expect an amazing show," said Abreu.

Neither the drums, the dancers nor the crowds' spirits were dampened by the pelting rain when Viradouro stepped onto the 700-meter walkway with a spectacle celebrating the African roots of Brazil.

"I am getting desperate, hoping that we manage to contain ourselves, but of course, I am hoping we will be champions. First place," said dancer Ivana Batista before stepping into the renowned Marques do Sapucai stadium.

For some, the rain even took on a spiritual significance, as was expressed by dancer, Fabio Martins.

"This rain is a gift from God to make our parade even happier. The parade is going to be marvellous and we are going to be champions!" said Martins.

Second to conquer the conditions was Mangueira, the famously green and pink school, which is of the most traditional in Rio de Janeiro, with the widest fan base.

Mangueira's carnival theme this year is a celebration of Brazilian women, for which the school was sponsored by the Unites Nations.

Drummer Cristiane Guimaraes told Reuters her affiliation is a matter of the heart.

"Being here is about more than just physically being present. This is Mangueira, it is in my blood, I am a woman of the Mangueira drums, it is very satisfying, very emotional being part of such a marvellous show," said Guimaraes.

Rafael Nadal also paraded on Sunday as a special guest with Viradouro school, since he is in Rio de Janeiro for the Rio Open the following week.

Roger Federer was invited to parade with defending carnival champions, Unidos da Tijuca, who will perform a Swiss-themed finale on Monday (February 16), but he declined. — Reuters