Rio Carnival Masterclass: The Samba School Parades 2025

Immerse yourself in the vibrant, pulsating heart of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival 2025 with our exclusive online course. Designed for enthusiasts, travelers, and culture aficionados, this course offers an unparalleled deep dive into one of the world’s most spectacular cultural events.

Unveil the Magic of Samba Schools

At the core of Rio's Carnival are the legendary samba schools, each a powerhouse of creativity, tradition, and passion. Our course meticulously dissects the intricate structure of a samba school parade, giving you insider knowledge of every element—from the commanding Front Committee to the elegant Masters and Flag Bearers, from the dazzling floats to the energetic wings of dancers. You will gain a profound understanding of how these elements converge in a spellbinding display of artistry and rhythm that captivates millions.

Master the Art of Carnival Judging

Ever wondered how the best samba schools are crowned in this fierce competition? Our course provides a detailed breakdown of the judging criteria, ensuring you grasp the nuances that separate a good performance from an award-winning spectacle. You will learn about the various judged items, from the choreography and costumes to the storyline and overall harmony. This insight will allow you to appreciate the parade not just as a spectator but as an informed critic.

Explore the Themes of All First Division Samba Schools

Each samba school in Rio’s prestigious first division presents a unique storyline that draws from Brazil's rich tapestry of history, culture, and folklore. In this course, you will delve into the themes of all the first division samba schools for Carnival 2025, uncovering the inspirations behind their narratives. We will explore the historical events, legends, and cultural icons that inspire these performances, giving you the knowledge to fully appreciate the depth and creativity behind each school’s presentation.

Limited Availability and Exclusive Early-Bird Pricing

This course offers a rare opportunity to deepen your connection to Rio's Carnival, but spaces are limited to ensure an engaging and personalized learning experience. Act now to secure your spot at a special early-bird rate. Whether you're planning to attend Carnival in person or simply wish to enrich your understanding of this grand tradition, this course is your gateway to experiencing Rio de Janeiro's Carnival like never before.

Program:

Lesson 1: The Anatomy of a Samba School Parade

22/01/2025 - 19:00h - 20:30h (UTC)

In Lesson 1, uncover the structure of a samba parade—Front Committee, Mestre-salas, Flag Bearers, bateria, floats, and dancers—grasp their artistry!

Lesson 2: Themes of the First Day Samba Schools

29/01/2025 - 19:00h - 20:30h (UTC)

In Lesson 2, explore the themes of Unidos de Padre Miguel, Imperatriz, Viradouro, and Mangueira, revealing their unique narratives and inspirations.

Lesson 3: Themes of the Second Day Samba Schools

05/02/2025 - 19:00h - 20:30h (UTC)

In Lesson 3, explore the innovative themes of Unidos da Tijuca, Beija-Flor, Salgueiro, and Vila Isabel, uncovering their rich narratives and vision.

Lesson 4: Themes of the Third Day Samba Schools

12/02/2025 - 19:00h - 20:30h (UTC)

In Lesson 4, explore the powerful themes of Mocidade, Tuiuti, Grande Rio, and Portela, gaining insights into their cultural and historical significance.

Course Information:

• All classes will be taught on the Zoom app, and the support material will be available on Google Classroom.

• The ticket grants access to all four lessons

•The course will be in English and is open to people from all over the world.

• All the lessons of the course will be recorded and will be available to all participants after each lesson, and will continue to be available for 8 months.

• All participants will receive an ebook with detailed course content.

Don’t miss your chance to join a community of fellow Carnival enthusiasts and become an expert in one of the world’s most exhilarating cultural phenomena. Enroll today and embark on a journey that will leave you enthralled and inspired!

Detailed Content:

This comprehensive online course is designed to take you on an immersive journey through the spectacle of Carnival 2025 in Rio de Janeiro. With a focus on the intricate workings of samba school parades and the captivating themes chosen by each top-tier school, this four-lesson course will equip you with the knowledge to appreciate and understand one of the world’s most extraordinary cultural events.

Lesson 1: The Anatomy of a Samba School Parade

In the first lesson, we’ll unravel the complex structure of a samba school parade. You will learn about the key components that make up these parades—the Front Committee, the Mestre-sala and Flag Bearers, the floats, and the various wings of dancers. We’ll explore how these elements come together to create a cohesive and captivating performance. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid foundation to understand the artistry, the judging and the organization behind each school’s presentation.

Lesson 2: Themes of the First Day Samba Schools

The second lesson dives into the themes of the samba schools performing on the first day of the parade. We’ll cover the narratives and inspirations behind the performances of Unidos de Padre Miguel, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Viradouro, and Mangueira. Each of these schools brings a unique storyline that reflects Brazil’s rich cultural heritage. This lesson will allow you to appreciate the depth and creativity of the themes as you witness the parade unfold.

Lesson 3: Themes of the Second Day Samba Schools

The third lesson continues with an exploration of the themes presented by the samba schools on the second day of the parade. We’ll delve into the intricate narratives of Unidos da Tijuca, Beija-Flor, Salgueiro, and Vila Isabel. These schools are renowned for their innovative and thought-provoking themes, and this lesson will provide you with the context needed to fully grasp their artistic vision.

Lesson 4: Themes of the Third Day Samba Schools

In the final lesson, we’ll turn our attention to the samba schools performing on the third day of the parade. The themes of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, Paraíso do Tuiuti, Grande Rio, and Portela will be explored in depth. These schools often present some of the most anticipated and powerful performances of the entire Carnival, and you’ll gain insights into the cultural and historical significance of their chosen themes.

By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with a deep understanding of how a samba school parade works and the rich stories behind the themes of all the first-division samba schools participating in Carnival 2025. Whether you’re planning to experience the Carnival in person or simply want to broaden your cultural horizons, this course offers a unique opportunity to connect with one of Brazil’s most cherished traditions.

Sign up today to secure your place and join a community of Carnival enthusiasts on this unforgettable journey!

Who is the teacher?

Gabriel Lopes has been a driving force in the world of Brazilian music and Carnival since the early 2000s. A seasoned musician and dedicated educator, Gabriel's journey began with the renowned Monobloco band, where he quickly became an integral part of their sound and spirit. As a percussionist and workshop leader, he has recorded two albums and two DVDs with Monobloco, contributing to the group’s dynamic legacy.

For over a decade, Gabriel has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of percussionists, leading Monobloco's workshops and preparing students for the bloco's legendary parades in Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, and São Paulo. His teaching extends far beyond Brazil's borders, with Gabriel sharing the vibrant rhythms of samba across the UK, Europe, and the USA, and even reaching students in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan through online classes.

From 2005 to 2019, Gabriel served as the *mestre de bateria* for Volta Alice, a bloco that brought the streets of Laranjeiras to life, drawing crowds of 10,000 revelers with a bateria of around 100 skilled drummers. His leadership and passion helped Volta Alice become a cornerstone of the Carnival community.

Gabriel is also a respected researcher and author, with a deep expertise in samba school bateria. His works include the books Mestre Dudu - As Paradinhas da Não Existe Mais Quente, As Bossas do Mestre Maurão, and Fundamentals of a Samba School Bateria. Through his brand, Samba Beats, Gabriel continues to share his extensive knowledge and passion for samba school drums. His website, [sambabeats.com.br](http://www.sambabeats.com.br), YouTube channel, and social media platforms serve as a hub for percussion enthusiasts worldwide, offering insights, tutorials, and a deeper understanding of Brazil’s rich percussive traditions.

Gabriel Lopes is not just a musician; he is a guardian of Brazilian culture, tirelessly working to preserve and promote the rhythms that define the soul of Rio’s Carnival.

Event Venue

Online