Here’s just one of the six samba parades I saw at Rio de Janeiro’s 2012 Carnival celebration. Opening the second night was the São Clemente Samba School.
In case you missed it, find out all about the background and work that goes into creating a samba parade for Carnival in my post {here}.
São Clemente was the only participant from Rio’s South Zone. Established in 1961, São Clemente’s school colors are yellow and black. In the Special Group, which consists of the best thirteen samba schools in Rio, they are the only ones to use black as a color. Their symbol is Sugar Loaf Mountain and are known throughout Brazil as being irreverent. For example in 1984, their theme, “Don´t Run, Don´t Kill, Don´t Die: The Devil is Free in the Streets,” referred to the street violence in Rio.
São Clemente has never won a title and placed last in 2011, a year that three schools didn’t even compete. Large-scale fires destroyed warehouses that contained costumes and floats just weeks before Carnival was to start. A year’s worth of work went up in flames, and some suspect the fires were no accident.
Looking to reverse their below-par showings, São Clemente chose for their 2012 theme, “Uma Aventura Musical na Sapucaí” which translates to “A Musical Adventure in Sapucai’.” The theme took inspiration from famous Broadway musicals such as Les Miserables, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, La Cage Aux Folles, and Victor/Victoria, as well as made references to classic movie musicals like The Wizard of Oz.
Below is a pictorial of São Clemente’s interpretation of the world’s greatest musicals with a Brazilian flair.
The Sambordromo before parades start
Fireworks explode into the night sky to indicate the parade is beginning.
Samba dancing for an hour on stilts? Yep! They did it.
Elaborate costumes cost a fortune and weigh a ton.
Inside the black boxes were piano keys.
These guys freaked me out a little.
The Flag Carrying Couple present the colors of São Clemente
Check out the cats on the float! Ahhhh, Brazil!
Notice the men pushing the float.
Inspired by La Cage Aux Folles
Another flag carrying couple emulate Beauty and the Beast.
La Cage Aux Folles is also known as The Birdcage.
Perhaps this is based on Hairspray?
The colorful wheels turned as the float moved.
Riding on top of a float is a huge honor.
Judging by the costumes, I think this was based on Chicago or Cabaret.
Float performers hold on to a pole to maintain balance.
Wings with varying costumes dance in between floats.
I’m not sure about this one. Swan Lake? Cinderella?
The Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz rides above Emerald City.
The cast of the Wizard of Oz
An entire float was dedicated to NYC’s Broadway.
Notice the woman on stage to get a picture of how large the float is.
Not leaving much to the imagination
I’ve never imagined Lady Liberty in a bikini! Only in Brazil!
A wing representing Victor/Victoria
I have no clue! Looks to be a space suit of some sort.
Any guesses here?
A tribute to 2010’s Tijuca´s front commission (thanks, Eric!)
The last float in the hour-long show.
Can you imagine this balloon in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
What unfolded was an hour of elation, extravagance, eye-popping entertainment. I did have difficulty figuring out what some of the floats and costumes symbolized, but most were quite obvious. If São Clemente was historically one of the lowest-performing schools, I couldn’t imagine what the traditional powerhouses had in store. I didn’t think there could be anything better than what I’d just seen! There were five more schools waiting to prove me wrong.
São Clemente: 2012 Samba Song & Lyrics
Andi
March 14, 2012This is one of the best posts I’ve ever read looooooved it! WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!
Leah Travels
March 15, 2012Ahhh, Andi, you’re too sweet. It is so difficult to put into words and simple photos the electric environment at the parades. After learning what goes into creating a parade, I can see why they are so passionate about the event. I understand why everyone was so devastated after the fires destroyed a year’s worth of work. I hope you read the preceding post, ” A Gringa’s Guide to Carnival Parades.” It’s a good (if I do say so myself) explanation of the rules, process, and development of the parades. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to reading about your Hong Kong trip!
Emily in Chile
March 16, 2012I had the same reaction reading this as you did seeing the show in person – if this is the worst group, how incredible is the best going to be?!
Leah Travels
March 16, 2012Emily, you’ve got to get to Rio and see Carnival. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. I imagine it was like a toddler seeing Disney World for the first time. I truly was amazed.
ERic
July 8, 2012HI! I read and enjoyed you page, carnaval is amazing and have a charm that no one else have.
My favorite parades this year were S. Clemente, Tijuca, Salgueiro and Grande Rio 🙂
Ah! It´s not alice in wonderlad, is a tribute for a 2010 Tijuca´s front comission, that samba enredo called “it´s secret!” was very famous, look is you please:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot8r0dSXlpg
Thanks.
Leah Travels
July 9, 2012I agree, Eric, Carnival is the very best. In fact, it’s one of my favorite experiences ever. Thanks for the clarification on the Alice in Wonderland. I’ll change it in my post. I’ll have some more of the parades throughout the year. I’m so behind on my writing!
England Tour Packages
October 25, 2012I am glad that I stopped by! Brazil is a wonderful place and getting to know something like you have shared makes me feel so nice. Love visiting the place. Thanks for sharing!
Leah Travels
October 25, 2012Come back anytime! I’ll have four other parades to cover as we get closer to Carnival 2013. 🙂