Samba schools in Rio define sambas for Carnival 2026 in special finals

Portela opens the round of decisions on Friday, choosing the samba for “Ao Mestre, com Carinho”, a plot by Paulo Barros in honor of Monarco. The school reached the final with three works, partnerships with Cecilia Cruz, Wanderley Monteiro and Jorge do Batuke. The night will have a special format to celebrate Monarco: before the school show and the presentations of the samba finalists, Portela will hold a samba circle in the middle of the court, bringing together musicians and the public in a different configuration to that traditionally adopted in the samba-enredo finals. Afterwards, the court hosts the Portela show, with the participation of the school's segments.

On Saturday (5), Mangueira chooses the samba of “Oyá Por Nós”, a song written by carnival artist Sidnei França and dedicated to Oyá/Iansã. The final involves two partnerships: Junior Fionda, Gabriel Machado, Orlando Ambrósio, Guilherme Sá and Paulinho Bandolim and Arlindinho, Paulo César Feital, Pedro Terra, Tomaz Miranda, Herval Neto and Igor Leal. In addition to the final, the school will have an unprecedented show: Mangueira - Porta Voz da Cultura Popular, bringing together segments for a presentation that exalts Brazilian culture.

Also on Saturday, Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel sets the anthem “Latinamente Independente – Nosso Norte é o Sul em Remanifesto”, a plot that proposes a look at Latin American identity and integration. Four partnerships reach the final: Richard Valença & Cia., PC Feital & Cia., Jefinho Rodrigues & Cia. and Léo Peres & Cia. Before choosing the samba, the party will have a meeting of old guards, shows by Nata do Rap Carioca and Jet Samba Black. After the choice, there will be an after with Bonde das Maravilhas, DJ Jhury and Lekinho DJ.