Estação Primeira de Mangueira Samba School

Mangueira

The Gremio Recreativo Escola de Samba Mangueira in one of the oldest and best know Samba school in Rio de Janiero. It arose out of the slums to become the first Carnival Parade Champions in 1932.  With colors of pink and green they are one of the most colorful and talented Samba schools to be found. The Mangueira is always a favorite for the masses, just like the football team Flamengo is a favorite for soccer.

The green and pink school is another dear School to a lot of Brazilians; Mangueira has been around for 83 years winning over a lot of hearts. In 2012 Mangueira’s plot will be about the Samba group “ Cacique de Ramos”. Cacique de Ramos was created in 1961 in Rio’s North zone, Olaria.

Many famous samba artists originated from the group such as Zeca Pacodinho, Fundo de Quintal and Beth Carvalho, which was also nominated the godmother of Cacique de Ramos. Mangueira is trusting that in 2012 they will be able to connect to spectators and have everyone singing and dancing to the tunes of yet another great plot.

The History of Mangueira

Mangueira Samba school was formed April 28th, 1928 by Carlos Cachaca and some of his friends.  Mangueira was one of the few pioneers of the Carnival parade.  Their show consisted of masked dancer led by a Samba teacher.  The dancers were followed by a percussion group.  Later on women were allowed to join the school, floats were added to the parade and a theme was invented to make the whole large group one cohesive entity.  In addition other instruments were added to the percussion group to form quite a cacophonous band.  The Mangueira Samba school has 18 titles and 1 Super Cup that was won in 1984 to celebrate the opening of the Sambodromo. 

Mangueira Today

The Mangueira Samba school has recently focused on the children of its neighborhood and formed the Developing Minds Foundation.  This charity is a sports school for 200 children where they learn to not only play the support but learn self-discipline, self worth and self-motivation.  Many famous soccer players and team coaches come out to help the children by mentoring, training and inspiring them to make a better life for themselves.

The Mangueira Samba school is known for its traditional Samba done with a unique twist.  Beautiful women, a peppery beat and enthralling music make this school one of the most talented and fun to watch.   In addition the Mangueira Samba school, despite its roots in the slums has managed to stay true to itself defying corruption and drug involvement to remain on of the most respected Samba schools in Brazil.