The Rio Carnival 2025 Champions Parade is set to bring back the best samba schools and their star performers for one final dazzling night at the Marquês de Sapucaí.
Among the highlights of the show are the drum queens (rainhas de bateria)—the powerful, elegant, and charismatic women who lead the heartbeat of each school’s percussion section.
This year, the top six samba schools return to the avenue, each with a drum queen who has made an unforgettable mark on the crowd.
Let’s meet the queens who will once again take center stage in the Champions Parade on March 8, 2025.
Lorena Raíssa (Beija-Flor) – The Pregnant Queen Who Made History
The drum queen of Beija-Flor, Lorena Raíssa, turned heads at Rio Carnival 2025, not just for her dazzling performance but for the incredible story she carried—literally. At just 18 years old, she took the avenue pregnant, proving that nothing could stop her from leading one of Rio’s most iconic samba schools to victory.
A Queen Born in Samba
Lorena’s connection to Beija-Flor de Nilópolis runs deeper than most. Her mother was a dancer for the school, and in an almost legendary moment, she went into labor during a Beija-Flor technical rehearsal. It’s no surprise that Lorena was destined to be part of Brazil’s greatest celebration.
Commanding the Bateria with Power and Grace
This was Lorena’s third year leading Beija-Flor’s drum section, but it was her most emotional one yet.
View this post on Instagram
- Her costume, designed to honor Afro-Brazilian culture, featured a stunning blue and silver theme with intricate beadwork.
- Despite being pregnant, her energy on the avenue was unmatched, proving why she’s one of the most beloved queens in Carnival today.
- She set an example for young women in samba, showing that strength and femininity go hand in hand.
A Victory for Beija-Flor – and for Women in Samba
Beija-Flor’s 15th championship win was a historic moment, and Lorena was at the center of it. As the school prepares for the Champions Parade on March 8, she will once again lead the drums, carrying her unborn child and the spirit of Beija-Flor down Sapucaí.
Paolla Oliveira (Acadêmicos do Grande Rio) – A Glamorous Farewell
After seven years leading Grande Rio’s bateria, Paolla Oliveira took her final bow at Rio Carnival 2025 in style. The actress and samba icon dazzled in her “Mirror of the Moon” costume, a silver masterpiece reflecting the energy of the parade.
A Queen of Two Eras
Paolla first reigned as drum queen in 2009–2010 but returned in 2020, bringing Grande Rio its first-ever championship in 2022. This year, she bid farewell to the Sapucaí runway, leaving behind a legacy of elegance and passion.
A Spectacular Last Dance
With her signature confidence, she commanded the bateria, proving why she remains one of Rio’s most beloved queens. Though stepping down, Paolla’s impact on Carnival lives on, and her final parade was nothing short of legendary.
View this post on Instagram
Maria Mariá (Imperatriz Leopoldinense) – The Rising Star from Complexo do Alemão
A true product of the community, Maria Mariá has been part of Imperatriz Leopoldinense since she was 9 years old. Now, as the queen of Swing da Leopoldina, she embodies the school’s tradition and power.
From Samba to Taekwondo
Beyond the parade, Maria is a taekwondo athlete and a Social Communication student at UFRJ. Her discipline and charisma make her a modern queen, balancing academics, sports, and samba.
View this post on Instagram
A Parade of Strength
In her third year as drum queen, Maria delivered an explosive performance, proving she’s one of Carnival’s brightest rising stars. As Imperatriz returns for the Champions Parade, she’s ready to lead the beat once more.
Erika Januza (Viradouro) – The Queen Who Brought Smoke to Sapucaí
For four years straight, Erika Januza has been Viradouro’s drum queen, and she knows how to command attention. This year, she took it to another level, debuting a dramatic golden costume inspired by the caracara bird.
A Parade with a Special Effect
In a moment that stunned the crowd, white smoke surrounded her as she danced, creating an unforgettable stage effect. The actress and queen once again proved that Carnival is about spectacle—and she knows how to deliver.
View this post on Instagram
Ruling Viradouro’s Drums
As Viradouro competes among the top six schools, Erika will once again own the avenue, leading the bateria with grace, power, and undeniable presence.
Bianca Monteiro (Portela) – The Queen of Tradition
For nine years, Bianca Monteiro has been the heartbeat of Portela’s bateria, bringing both tradition and elegance to the avenue. A true community queen, Bianca grew up in samba, first parading for Império Serrano before finding her home at Portela.
A Queen Raised in Blue and Gold
Bianca’s father introduced her to Portela, and she never looked back. She represents not just the school but the rich history of samba itself.
View this post on Instagram
A Parade of Elegance and Power
In Rio Carnival 2025, Bianca once again shined on Sapucaí, leading the drums with grace and experience. As Portela returns for the Champions Parade, she’s ready to deliver another breathtaking performance.
Evelyn Bastos (Mangueira) – The Favela Queen Who Owns the Avenue
For 12 years, Evelyn Bastos has been the face of Mangueira’s bateria, carrying the soul of the favela onto the grand stage of Sapucaí. She’s more than a samba queen—she’s a symbol of strength, ancestry, and community pride.
More Than Just a Samba Icon
Evelyn embraces her roots in the North Zone, representing her people with authenticity and power. She proudly incorporates ancestral and spiritual references into her performances.
View this post on Instagram
Unmatched Energy on the Avenue
With her signature fierce style, Evelyn once again set Sapucaí on fire in 2025. As she prepares for the Champions Parade, one thing is certain—Mangueira’s beat will pulse stronger than ever under her command.
FAQs
1. What is the Champions Parade, and how is it different from the main parade?
The Champions Parade is the final showcase of Rio Carnival, held after the competition. Unlike the main parade, where samba schools compete for the title, the Champions Parade is a non-competitive celebration, featuring the top six schools that received the highest scores. It allows them to parade once more without the pressure of judging, focusing purely on spectacle and celebration.
2. How are samba schools judged in the main competition?
Samba schools are evaluated on ten different criteria, including theme interpretation, costumes, floats, samba song, harmony, and bateria performance. Each school must tell a cohesive story through its parade, and any mistake—like a delay or disorganized choreography—can cost crucial points. The results determine which six schools advance to the Champions Parade.
3. What are the most expensive Carnival costumes, and how much do they cost?
The most extravagant costumes are often worn by highlight dancers and main performers, with prices ranging from R$20,000 to R$200,000 (around $4,000 to $40,000 USD).
These outfits are handmade with luxurious materials like feathers, sequins, Swarovski crystals, and custom embroidery, taking months to create.
Regular participants in the parade can purchase more affordable costumes for R$800 to R$3,000 ($160 to $600 USD).
View this post on Instagram
4. Can tourists participate in the parade, or is it only for samba school members?
Yes! Tourists can join the parade by purchasing a costume from a samba school and following their assigned section.
Schools sell spots to the public as a way to fund their preparations, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of parading down Sapucaí alongside seasoned performers. However, spaces are limited and must be booked months in advance.
Last Words
Rio Carnival 2025 is all about samba, passion, and spectacle. The Champions Parade brings back the best schools for one last night, where the drums roar, the queens shine, and the crowd goes wild.
The party never really stops—it just takes a break until next year.
