On Sunday (8), more than 5 million Brazilians are expected to take the first day of the Enem tests

In this final stretch, which is better? Bet on content review? Or look deeper into other issues? Like anxiety.

"It's a pressure we put on ourselves, right? Because, whether we like it or not, it's our career", says Nina Aires.

More than 5 million Brazilians signed up for the 2026 Enem. Anyone preparing for a test like this knows how important it is to get a good night's sleep, preferably going to bed early. Which, for some candidates, unfortunately, is not always possible. At 9pm, at the Samba Museum, North Zone of Rio, there is a group wide awake, chasing a dream.

"My dream is to be able to provide support for my family, to be able to develop myself intellectually", says student Eliel Nascimento.

The Samba Educa social pre-university exam is located at one of the entrances to Morro da Mangueira, a favela known for also being a school.

"We have a methodology aimed at working on the culture of samba, the culture of carnival itself within the disciplines. In fact, this has been included in pre-university exams and ends up being an advantage for them to use their own experience of the community", says Barbara Santos, coordinator.

On Sunday (8), more than 5 million Brazilians are expected to take the first day of the Enem exams — Photo: Jornal Nacional/ Reproduction

It offers vacancies, mainly, for black women who live in the region.

"My day starts at around 7:30 am. I wake up, have breakfast and go to work. I teach until around 5:30 pm and then I come here straight. I'm going to take the entrance exam for music. My dream", says student Clarice Aparecida.

It's a group that looks like Enem. According to Inep, the majority of those registered are women and people who declare themselves mixed race or black. In 2026, Samba Educa has 50 subscribers. Fifty plots that will be put to the test next Sunday (8). Is this group ready for the parade of champions?

"We know that it is very complicated, there are difficulties in life, adversities. The teachers are very good, and I believe that this year will be a year of good things for us", says student Ana Beatriz.