After three nights of fierce competition and stands occupied by around 100 thousand people each day, according to the Independent League of Samba Schools (Liesa), the avenue shines again this Saturday (21), in an atmosphere of celebration and farewell.
The traditional Parade of Champions brings together, in Marquês de Sapucaí, the top six from Carnival 2026 for a presentation without a competitive nature, but with the same grandeur that marked the days of official revelry.
The party starts at 9pm and continues until the early hours of Sunday. In order of presentation, they return to the avenue: Estação Primeira de Mangueira, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Acadêmicos do Salgueiro, Unidos de Vila Isabel, Beija-Flor de Nilópolis and, ending the night, the great champion, Unidos do Viradouro.
Viradouro
Viradouro won its fourth title and the club crossed Sapucaí in the early hours of Tuesday (17th), erecting stands and boxes. The school moved the public by honoring the drum master: Ciça, one of the most respected names at this year’s Rio carnival.
Ciça is considered the oldest active drum master. In addition to Viradouro, he has commanded the batteries of Unidos da Tijuca, Grande Rio, União da Ilha and Estácio de Sá, where he began his career in 1988. Recognized by stops With his precision and remarkable cadence, he has already led the Viradouro battery in the 2020 and 2024 titles.
Complete coverage of the school’s achievement is available at Agência Brasil.
If on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday the schools entered the avenue under the tension of grades, now the atmosphere is one of reunion. Champions Saturday symbolizes the official farewell to carnival and reaffirms the cultural strength of Rio’s samba schools. Members, fans and the public return to Sapucaí to celebrate the work of an entire year, this time without judgment.
Considered one of the most anticipated moments of the carnival calendar, the parade once again transforms the avenue into a party stage, with shine, excitement and the certainty that the show will continue.
Parade of champions
Rio de Janeiro Carnival Champions Parade
Saturday, February 21, 2026
From 9pm (until early Sunday morning)
Location: Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome – Rio de Janeiro
Order of parades:
- Hose
- Empress Leopoldinense
- Willow
- Villa Isabel
- Hummingbird
- Viradouro (champion)
Tickets: sold out, according to the Independent League of Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro, with no new batches expected.
Broadcast: live on open TV and digital platforms.
