Celebration in Flames and Feathers: Beija-Flor Triumphs at Rio Carnival

Tue Jan 13 2026 00:18:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Beija-Flor samba school secures its 15th championship title at Rio de Janeiro's thrilling Carnival parade.

In a dazzling display of lights, colors, and creativity, Beija-Flor emerged victorious, with a tribute to its late director highlighting the intense competition among Brazil's top samba schools.

The 2023 Rio Carnival parade reached a spectacular finale as the Beija-Flor samba school was crowned champion for the 15th time, solidifying its place in the history of this vibrant event. Thousands of revelers gathered at the iconic Sambadrome to watch the top 12 samba schools fiercely compete, culminating in a stunning showcase of culture and tradition.

Beija-Flor's triumph comes as a heartfelt homage to its acclaimed director, Luiz Fernando Ribeiro do Carmo, affectionately known as Laíla, who passed away in June 2021 after contracting Covid-19. The school's parade featured an impressive display of floats with pyrotechnics, accompanied by dancers adorned in devil costumes that captivated the audience and judges alike.

The judging panel, consisting of 40 judges across 10 categories, scrutinized every performance and costume. Coming in a close second was Grande Rio, which showcased a powerful act, performed by attentive dancers who were as much a part of the drama as they were observers. Third place went to Imperatriz, known for its visually striking parade that included revelers with elaborate gold and white skull designs.

Among the dazzling performances, Paraíso do Tuiuti's dancers drew attention with their vibrant feathered outfits, while Vila Isabel's ghostly white-clad performers provided a stark contrast to the usual exuberance of the carnival. Mocidade surprised the crowd with a giant puppet, all while their futuristic-themed costumes blew the audience away, reflecting this year's motto: "Back To The Future - There Are No Limits Dreaming."

Even with an impressive show, Unidos de Padre Miguel found themselves at the bottom this year and scored a last-place finish that will keep them out of the elite competition for 2026. As the extravaganza concluded, notable Brazilian artist Milton Nascimento was celebrated during the Portela samba school's tribute, further enhancing the carnival's spirit and rich cultural tapestry.

With each year, Rio Carnival continues to dazzle the world, a testament to Brazil’s lively artistic expression and community spirit.