Ten samba schools from São Paulo’s Access Group 2, the third tier of the city’s renowned Carnaval, showcased their elaborate parades on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The vibrant spectacle unfolded at the Anhembi Sambadrome, located in the northern zone of the state capital, drawing both dedicated fans and new spectators.
Despite persistent heavy rainfall throughout the night, revered traditional samba associations, including Unidos do Peruche, Morro da Casa Verde, X-9 Paulistana, and Imperador do Ipiranga, demonstrated remarkable resilience as they moved along the parade strip. The challenging weather conditions, though impacting the free-entry grandstands, did not entirely dampen the spirits of those who braved the elements.
The night was charged with intense competition and high stakes. Participating schools were fiercely vying for two coveted promotion spots to Access Group 1, the second division of São Paulo’s Carnaval, for the 2027 season. Conversely, the two lowest-scoring schools faced the threat of relegation to the Special Neighborhoods Group, which parades in Butantã.
Grueling competition under adverse weather
The atmosphere at the Anhembi Sambadrome was a mix of tension and excitement. Schools poured months of preparation into their performances, with each float, costume, and rhythmic beat carefully crafted to impress the judges. The relentless rain added an unforeseen layer of difficulty, testing the elaborate costumes and the intricate choreography of the participants.
Drummers battled to keep their instruments dry, dancers adapted their steps to the slick surface, and the vibrant colors of the costumes shimmered under the downpour. Despite these challenges, the schools managed to deliver powerful and emotionally charged presentations, reflecting the true spirit of Carnaval. Their determination underscored the profound cultural significance of the event for São Paulo.
Stakes for the 2027 season
The competition carries significant weight for the future trajectory of these samba schools. Securing a spot in Access Group 1 represents a major step up, providing greater visibility, resources, and a more prominent platform within the Carnaval hierarchy. This promotion allows schools to attract more talent, sponsors, and a larger fan base.
For those schools facing relegation, the outcome can be particularly disheartening. Dropping to the Special Neighborhoods Group means a step back in prestige and a more challenging path to regain their position in the main Anhembi parades. The pressure to perform well and avoid this fate was palpable among all participants.
Traditional powerhouses fight for return
Several of the schools parading in Access Group 2 are long-standing institutions with rich histories and devoted followings. Unidos do Peruche, Morro da Casa Verde, X-9 Paulistana, and Imperador do Ipiranga, for instance, have deep roots in São Paulo’s Carnaval tradition and have often paraded in higher divisions.
Their presence in Access Group 2 underscores the cyclical nature of Carnaval, where even established names must fight their way back to the top. Their performances were particularly scrutinized, as many hoped to witness the return of these celebrated names to the more prominent stages of the city’s grand celebration. The rain-soaked parades became a symbol of their enduring commitment.
Anticipation for the results
The results of the Access Group 2 parades will be officially announced later today, Sunday, March 2, 2025, following the detailed scoring process scheduled to commence at 5 PM local time. Fans and participants alike are eagerly awaiting the crucial decisions that will determine the fate of these ten schools for the upcoming Carnaval seasons.
The apuração, or score tabulation, is a highly anticipated event, often filled with drama and emotional highs and lows. Each segment of the parade, from drumming to costumes and overall harmony, is meticulously evaluated by a panel of judges. The cumulative scores will ultimately decide which two schools earn promotion and which two face relegation.
For those unable to attend the live announcement, the entire scoring process will be streamed live. Viewers can tune into the official Liga SP YouTube channel to follow the results in real-time. This ensures that a wide audience can experience the tension and excitement as the final scores are revealed and the next chapter for these samba schools begins.
Looking ahead to the 2025 carnaval season
The Access Group 2 parades serve as a vital component of São Paulo’s extensive Carnaval festivities. While the spotlight often shines on the Special Group, these lower-tier competitions are fundamental in nurturing new talent and allowing traditional schools to reclaim their former glory. The dedication shown by all involved, from the performers to the organizing committees, highlights the passion that drives this cultural phenomenon.
The outcomes from these parades will not only shape the lineup for 2027 but also invigorate the samba community, fueling new compositions, costume designs, and choreographies. The challenges faced, particularly the weather, only further cemented the spirit of perseverance that is so integral to São Paulo’s unique Carnaval celebration, setting the stage for an exciting future in the city’s vibrant cultural calendar.
