São Paulo’s carnaval 2026 season culminates this Saturday, inviting enthusiasts to witness the spectacular Champions’ Parade. Nine of the city’s premier samba schools will return to the iconic Anhembi Sambadrome, offering a final chance to showcase their artistry, elaborate floats, and vibrant enredos that captivated judges and audiences alike. This non-competitive evening is a grand celebration, a victory lap for the dedication and passion poured into each performance, promising an unforgettable experience for attendees and viewers around the globe.

The highly anticipated event features the top five schools from the esteemed Special Group, demonstrating their exceptional craft once more. They will be joined by the champions and vice-champions from Access Group 1 and Access Group 2, making it a comprehensive display of the best that São Paulo’s carnaval has to offer.

For those eager to relive the magic or experience it for the first time, comprehensive viewing options are available, ensuring no one misses the vibrant spectacle of rhythm, color, and storytelling that defines the ultimate closing act of the carnaval season.

Unmissable schools returning to anhembi

The reigning champion of Carnaval 2026, Mocidade Alegre, will proudly close the night at the Anhembi Sambadrome. They will be joined by four other top-tier Special Group contenders: Gaviões da Fiel, Dragões da Real, Acadêmicos do Tatuapé, and Barroca Zona Sul, each bringing their unique flair and a final display of their celebrated enredos.

The parade will also feature the champions and vice-champions from the Access Group divisions, highlighting their journey and achievements. Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi and Pérola Negra from Access Group 1, alongside Morro da Casa Verde and X-9 Paulistana from Access Group 2, are set to perform, celebrating their hard-earned promotions and showcasing their artistry.

How to tune in to the champions’ spectacle

Beginning at 7:00 PM this Saturday, fans can access the official Liga Carnaval SP transmission live on YouTube. This comprehensive digital coverage ensures that viewers can follow every detail from the very first school of the night, including the captivating performances from the Access Group 2 participants.

For those with cable subscriptions, Multishow will initiate its live broadcast at 9:30 PM, providing an in-depth view of the evening’s main attractions. Additionally, free-to-air options become available through TV Globo and TV Cultura, with Globoplay also offering streaming, commencing their coverage between 10:30 PM and 11:00 PM, primarily focusing on the performances from the Special Group schools.

The night’s complete schedule

The Anhembi Sambadrome will pulsate with energy from early evening until the dawn, meticulously orchestrated to present each school’s performance at its designated time. This allows spectators and viewers to plan their experience and catch their favorite schools as they make their final appearance on the illuminated runway. The schedule promises a seamless flow of vibrant parades, showcasing the diverse talent across all groups.

• Access Group Lineup:
• 7:00 PM: X-9 Paulistana – Access Group 2 Vice-champion
• 8:00 PM: Morro da Casa Verde – Access Group 2 Champion
• 9:00 PM: Pérola Negra – Access Group 1 Vice-champion
• 10:00 PM: Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi – Access Group 1 Champion
• Special Group Lineup:
• 11:00 PM: Barroca Zona Sul – 5th place
• 12:00 AM: Acadêmicos do Tatuapé – 4th place
• 1:00 AM: Dragões da Real – 3rd place
• 2:00 AM: Gaviões da Fiel – Vice-champion
• 3:00 AM: Mocidade Alegre – Carnaval 2026 Champion

Spotlight on top performers

Mocidade Alegre’s return as the 2026 Carnaval champion will undoubtedly be a highlight, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement in São Paulo’s samba world. Their performance is more than just a parade; it’s a testament to their dedication, artistic innovation, and the cohesive spirit of their community, making them a must-see act that embodies the soul of carnaval.

The other Special Group schools—Gaviões da Fiel, Dragões da Real, Acadêmicos do Tatuapé, and Barroca Zona Sul—are also set to deliver powerful performances. Each school brings its distinct identity and fanbase, contributing to the rich tapestry of the event and ensuring a night filled with diverse rhythms and captivating visuals. Their presence solidifies the parade as a true showcase of excellence.

Rising stars from the access divisions

The Champions’ Parade also provides a significant platform for the schools newly promoted from the Access Groups to further celebrate their triumphs. Acadêmicos do Tucuruvi, as the Access Group 1 champion, and Morro da Casa Verde, leading Access Group 2, will perform with renewed vigor, celebrating their well-deserved ascent to higher divisions. This moment underscores their journey and the potential for even greater spectacle in upcoming seasons.

Similarly, Pérola Negra and X-9 Paulistana, the respective vice-champions, will captivate audiences with their compelling narratives and vibrant energy. Their strong showings secured their spots in the parade, reflecting their commitment to carnaval artistry and their significant contributions to the overall competitive landscape.

These performances from the Access divisions highlight the dynamic nature of São Paulo’s carnaval, where talent and hard work are consistently recognized and rewarded. They offer a glimpse into the future of samba, showcasing rising stars and maintaining the competitive spirit that fuels the entire celebration.

A night of tradition and celebration

The Champions’ Parade represents a cherished tradition, offering a final, jubilant farewell to the carnaval season. It is a moment where the competitive tension gives way to pure celebration, allowing schools to parade with the joy of accomplishment and the freedom of expression, honoring the essence of samba.

What to expect at anhembi

Attendees at the Anhembi Sambadrome should anticipate an electrifying atmosphere, charged with the collective energy of samba schools and their devoted supporters. The venue transforms into a vibrant arena where every beat and every step resonates with the spirit of celebration.

This event provides a unique opportunity for the top-performing schools to present their enredos once more, this time without the pressure of competition. It allows for a deeper appreciation of the intricate details, the elaborate costumes, and the profound messages embedded within each presentation.

Whether cheering from the stands or watching from home, spectators are encouraged to immerse themselves in the cultural richness and festive spirit of the night. It’s an occasion to acknowledge the immense effort and passion that goes into creating São Paulo’s world-renowned carnaval.

Ultimately, the Champions’ Parade serves as the grand finale, bringing together the best of the best for a collective display of artistic excellence and community pride, a truly fitting close to Carnaval 2026.