Beija-Flor
Beija-Flor 2025: My Exclusive Carnival Experience
A VICTORY WRITTEN IN THE STARS
The drums of destiny have spoken. The sweat, the fire, the unwavering faith, everything led to this moment. Under the blazing lights of Marquês de Sapucaí, where history is not just written but danced into eternity, Béija-Flor soared higher than ever before.
JORGE TEIXERA COREÓGRAFO DA COMISSÃO DA BEIJA-FLOR - 2025 by Zequinha Santos
The Bateria That Shook the Earth
Under the command of Mestres Rodney and Plínio, the bateria of Beija-Flor delivered a thunderous, hypnotic rhythm. The surdos pulsed like a collective heartbeat, the repiques sliced through the night, and the tamborins shimmered like stars.
The anticipation was palpable as the first notes of the samba-enredo, "Laíla de todos os Santos, Laíla de todos os Sambas," filled the air. The lyrics, penned by the talented team of Kirazinho, Lucas Gringo, Wilsinho Paz, Venir Vieira, Marquinhos Beija-Flor, and Dr. Rogério, resonated with a deep sense of love and remembrance for Laíla's immense contributions.
What is an Ensaio Técnico?
More than just a rehearsal, this is a public rite of preparation. Each samba school uses this night to fine-tune their harmony, timing, and crowd engagement without the full costumes, but with a full heart.
JORGE TEIXERA COREÓGRAFO DA COMISSÃO DA BEIJA-FLOR - carnaval25. TX by Zequinha Santos
Ala das Baianas: The Baianas, led by Mãe Cristina de Oxum, swirled in their wide, hoop skirts, embodying the ancestral feminine energy that sustains samba. Each step was a prayer, each turn a blessing.
Ala dos Passistas: The passistas, including rising stars Gabriel do Passo and Rafaela Santos, dazzled with their lightning-fast footwork, their bodies telling stories of joy, struggle, and resilience—just as Laíla had envisioned.
Velha-Guarda: Under Presidente Débora Rosa, the guardians of tradition marched with pride, their presence a bridge between generations. Dressed in vintage Beija-Flor attire, they carried the weight of history in their smiles.
Photographing Beija-Flor in 2025 was not merely documenting an event, it was bearing witness to living history. The air was thick with saudade, reverence, and resistance against forgetfulness. This was Laíla’s parade, yes, but also a symphony of collective memory, love, and defiance against oblivion.
In every frame I captured, I tried to preserve that essence:
A school, a man, a community that refuses to let their story fade.
And as the final note of Neguinho’s voice echoed into the Carioca night, the silence that followed was not an ending.
It was an eternal beginning.
With rhythm and reverence, I hope to be part of the magic next year.
Thank you to Rede Globo for allowing me to feature this video. Your exceptional storytelling enriches my blog and helps share Brazil’s vibrant culture with my audience.
