The samba school Unidos do Viradouro became champion of Rio de Janeiro Carnival on the afternoon of last Wednesday (18), after reading the scores in Cidade do Samba, in which they closed the lead with 270 points, defeating Beija Flor de Nilópolis, with 269.9.
Next Saturday (21), in addition to the victor of , five other associations will return to Marquês de Sapucaí for the traditional . Straight from the samba catwalk, the public will also have a second opportunity to follow the drum queens who brighten their respective communities.
Check out the complete list of majesties that will once again be at the Sambadrome:
Evelyn Bastos
The historian and Cultural Director of the Independent League of Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro (Liesa), Evelyn Bastos has been leading the green and pink drums for 13 years, even following in the footsteps of her own mother, Valéria, who held the position between 1987 and 1989.
This year, the queen invested in a black and silver swimsuit, along with a 6kg headdress and feathers to defend the plot “Mestra Sacaca do Encanto Tucuju – O Guardian da Amazônia Negra”.
Behind
After taking a break from the revelry, singer Iza returned to her role as drum queen of Imperatriz Leopoldinense in 2026. In the official parade, the artist wore a costume that represented a snake, releasing smoke from its head. The costume made reference to the album “Pecado”, by Ney Matogrosso, honored by the school.
Viviane Araújo
Considered the queen of fights, Viviane is the majesty who has been active at the Rio festival for the longest time. It’s been 18 years shining on Salgueiro’s drums. To pay homage to the carnival artist Rosa Magalhães, the actress innovated and, instead of parading on the ground, in front of the rhythm performers, she stood on a platform – which symbolized a ship – and thus managed to “navigate” between the red and white components.
Sabrina Sato
Another big name in Rio Carnival is Sabrina Sato, queen of Unidos de Vila Isabel. Celebrating 15 years at school, she wore a 40 kg costume, to represent the watercolor of Heitor dos Prazeres, the association’s plot. “Heitor painted the people. He painted Brazilians’ daily lives with dignity. He painted the samba, the work, the hill, the street. He saw beauty where many did not. Heitor immortalized the simple,” she wrote on social media.
Lorena Raissa
Owner of a samba at Pé Root, Lorena Raissa, created by Beija-Flor, had her first Carnival in 2026 after becoming a mother. At 19 years old, the teenager has shined against the rhythmists of the blue and white of Nilópolis since 2023, with elegance, strength and representation.
Juliana Paes
After being away from the catwalk for 17 years, Juliana Paes returned to the Niterói school at the request of master Ciça himself, honored by the 2026 champion association.
