The 2025 Rio de Janeiro Carnival was a spectacle of history, emotion, and culture. Beija-Flor de Nilópolis emerged victorious, claiming its 15th championship title with a stunning parade. This year’s festival also featured a grand tribute to Milton Nascimento, one of Brazil’s most legendary musicians, and marked the emotional farewell of Neguinho da Beija-Flor, whose voice defined samba for generations. Paolla Oliveira also bid farewell to her role as Queen of the Drums, closing a dazzling chapter in her Carnival career.
Beija-Flor Takes the Crown
With a breathtaking parade that captivated the Sambadrome, Beija-Flor solidified its place among the greatest samba schools of all time. The school paid tribute to Laíla (1943–2021), the mastermind behind many of its past victories, in a performance that celebrated his legacy with grandeur.
One of the most striking moments of the parade was the return of the controversial ‘Cristo Mendigo’ (Beggar Christ) allegory, originally censored in 1989. This time, Beija-Flor reclaimed the powerful image, reinforcing its tradition of bold artistic expression and thought-provoking themes.
But beyond the spectacle, the night carried deep emotion—it marked the final parade of Neguinho da Beija-Flor, the legendary samba singer who had led the school’s anthems for five decades. Before stepping onto the avenue, he declared that he would return for the Champions’ Parade, a prophecy that became reality as Beija-Flor took the title.
Portela’s Grand Tribute to Milton Nascimento
While Beija-Flor secured victory, Portela delivered one of the most moving moments of the year, dedicating its parade to Milton Nascimento, a Brazilian music icon whose voice and compositions have left an indelible mark on the world.
For the first time in its century-long history, Portela honored a living artist with the theme “Cantar Será Buscar o Caminho Que Vai Dar no Sol”. The parade took the audience on a musical pilgrimage through Milton’s career, opening with the school’s blue-and-gold eagle soaring above the Sambadrome. The grand finale was a breathtaking golden float, the “Altar do Sol”, where Milton himself rode in white, visibly moved by the tribute.
The homage came in the same year as the controversy at the 2024 Grammys, where Milton, despite being nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album, was not given a seat among the industry’s top figures, unlike his collaborator Esperanza Spalding. The incident sparked backlash, reigniting discussions about the lack of recognition for Brazilian music on the global stage.
Paolla Oliveira’s Carnival Farewell
Another unforgettable moment of this year’s Carnival was the final parade of Paolla Oliveira as Queen of the Drums for Grande Rio. Having held the title for seven years, the actress and samba icon bid farewell in spectacular fashion, delivering an electrifying performance that cemented her legacy as one of the most beloved muses of the Sambadrome.
Experience the Champions’ Parade!
If you think Carnival is over, think again! On Saturday, March 8, the Champions’ Parade will bring back the top six samba schools for one final, unforgettable night at the Sambadrome. This is your last chance to witness the grandeur, passion, and energy of Rio Carnival 2025, with Beija-Flor leading the celebration as the reigning champion.
Don’t miss the ultimate Carnival spectacle—join the party and feel the rhythm of Rio!
