The History Behind the Samba Schools in Brazil

By: M. Gilchrist

The history of the samba schools in Brazil, which are responsible for one of the most highlighted features during Carnaval season, started in Rio de Janeiro in the 1920s. This type of dance became popular in the slums of the city, and in 1928, the first school of samba was founded: Deixa Falar. Deixa Falar revolutionised Samba and led to the creation of other schools like Portela and Mangueira, and in 1929, the first contest was held between the schools.  
 
In 1932 the parades, desfiles, were officialised by a sports journalist, Mário Filho, although the idea was coined by Saturnino Gonçalves, the first president of Mangueira. Mangueira would be the first official winner of the 19 schools which contested in 1932 and again in 1933 and 1934. Finally in 1935 the government recognised the parades and began to have financial support from the public. The parades made by the schools have become so popular during the years, that it has attracted tourists from all over the world and carnival has become a staple when non-Brazilians think of the country and its culture.  
 
One of the most basic and important components in the dance and parades are the drums. This characteristic in the song comes from, like most things included in the spur of the tradition, the Carnaval practice which began in the nineteenth century. Not much time after, popular figures like Zé Pereira appeared in the displays, expanding the use of percussive instruments.  
 
As most art in Brazilian culture, it often highlights the dark days of the military dictatorship. The popular music played during the blocks, marchinha, meaning march in Portuguese, was used comically, as satire towards the marches made by the military.  
 
In competitions, due to the large number of schools institutionalized in recent times, different leagues were created for the competitions. The special league is divided in 2 groups, one which parades on Monday and the other on Sunday in February. These groups compete every year to see which school is the best while following several rules. The Access league parades the days before, Friday and Saturday, with an attempt to enter the main league the following year to compete.  
 
However, such parades, made with elaborate costumes, celebrities and decorations require money. Each school finds its own way of getting a surplus during the year to spend in the months of January and February, carnival season. Many schools have become opt to getting their income from sponsorships, public subsidies, television rights and internal revenue-generating events. In the past and till this day, corruption fills the organizations. Money laundry schemes are unfortunately common. In December of 2023, school of São Paulo Vai-Vai suffered accusations and was found out to be a stronghold of the criminal faction PCC when member of the school’s board and financial director Beto Bela Vista was discovered taking part in organized crime.  
 
Thus, it is important to withstand the other sides of such a significant cultural event and as the samba schools go on, people must remember its initial purpose: to bring people together as a community through dance.