Inside Rio’s Carnival: Spiegel Highlights Our Epic Parade

Gerald Traufetter, a German Journalist for the Spiegel newspaper, shared his captivating experience parading with the samba school at Sambadrome. His words paint a vivid picture of the sheer energy and emotional intensity of the Carnival. For an immersive cultural experience, our students paraded with Arranco.

What was the experience like to parade at the Sambadrome during Rio’s Carnival?

“Our group enters the Sambadrome, a 700-meter avenue surrounded by towering grandstands. At the end of it, I see the great curved arch marking the finish line of the parade. On that Friday night, it feels like the horizon where the world ends. The rhythm of the drums pulls us in like a vortex into this canyon of euphoria. A frenzy and a joy as if there were no tomorrow”. – Gerald Traufetter.

Read the full article: Feiern, während die Welt ins Wanken gerät

A German Journalist’s Carnival Journey

Traufetter’s article, “Celebrating While the World Crumbles“, delves into the surreal contrast of joyous celebration amidst global turmoil. He highlights the electric atmosphere from the moment the fireworks signaled the start of the parade, and the drums ignited a wave of movement. 

Gerald Traufetter, captivated by the allure of Rio, embarked on a personal experiment: to fully immerse himself in the Carnival experience. He chronicles his journey from observer to participant, sharing his unique perspective on experiencing this vibrant cultural phenomenon.

The Energy of the Parade

“A show of fireworks gives the starting signal. Then the drums of the bateria start playing, and as if someone had pressed a button, the dancers start moving. Finally, it begins.” – Gerald Traufetter

Traufetter vividly describes the electrifying moment the parade commences. He captures the contagious energy that pulsates through the Sambadrome, drawing everyone into a collective rhythm. He recounts the instructions from Patricia, our director, emphasizing the importance of not just smiling, but truly “shining” to embody the spirit of Carnival.

Celebrating Amidst Global Uncertainty

“The night began with a shock, coming from far beyond the horizon. In Washington, US President Donald Trump and his deputy, J.D. Vance, were publicly humiliating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.” – Gerald Traufetter

Traufetter’s experience wasn’t solely focused on the joyous celebration. He grapples with the contrast between the festive atmosphere and the unsettling global events unfolding simultaneously. He questions the ability to celebrate while the world seems to teeter on the brink of chaos. Yet, he finds solace and a sense of unity within the Carnival’s embrace.

”Once in a life time experience! Rhythm and Samba in the heart, soul and in the hips! I am very greatful that I found this wonderful language school Caminhos to give me very very good courses and this great opportunity to be part of a Samba School and to feel, see, learn what all this means to the Carioca people here. Thank you Caminhos for this incredible experience. Obrigada” – Andrea Regina K. from Darmstadt Germany (Caminhos Student)

Embracing the “Fome” (hunger)

“Patricia hands us our costumes: a big black garbage bag. ‘Everything’s fine,’ she says. Inside the bag, there is a suit made of strips of dark fabric, with a skeleton printed on the front. The costume is complemented by a huge hood adorned with two skulls on the sides. ‘You represent Hunger,’ says Patricia, smiling.” – Gerald Traufetter

Traufetter humorously recounts receiving his “Fome” (Hunger) costume, which starkly contrasts with the vibrant colors and joyous themes typically associated with Carnival. He reflects on the symbolism, acknowledging that even amidst celebration, life includes both joy and hardship.

The Story Behind the Parade: “Mães que Alimentam o Sagrado”

In 2025, Arranco do Engenho de Dentro presented the theme “Mães que Alimentam o Sagrado” (Mothers Who Feed the Sacred), crafted by the talented carnival designer Annik Salmon. This theme celebrated the multifaceted nature of motherhood in Brazil, emphasizing the strength, faith, and dedication of mothers in nurturing their families and communities. The school’s performance was structured in four main sectors:

1. Ancestrality: This sector delved into the deep roots of motherhood, tracing its origins back to Africa and honoring the powerful female deities in Afro-Brazilian religions. Figures like Yemanjá, Ọ̀ṣùn, and other Ìyás (mothers) were represented, showcasing their role as keepers of wisdom and tradition.
2. Plurality: A vibrant celebration of the diverse faces of motherhood in Brazil. From the Baianas preparing their traditional feijoada to indigenous women who cultivated essential foods like açaí and mandioca, this sector showcased the beautiful tapestry of cultures and culinary traditions woven together by mothers.
3. Resistance: This poignant sector paid homage to the strength and resilience of mothers who face immense challenges. It honored the women working tirelessly in the fields, markets, and kitchens, ensuring their families are nourished and their cultural heritage preserved.
4. Sustainability and Creativity: A Look towards the Future, this sector highlighted the ingenuity of mothers in creating a sustainable world for their children. It showcased initiatives of recycling and resourcefulness, symbolizing the care and dedication mothers have for future generations.

The samba-enredo (theme song) beautifully captured these themes, with lyrics like “I have the blood of a queen, nourished by the sacred,” resonating with the powerful message of the parade.

A Deeper Look into Arranco’s History and Culture

Arranco originates from Engenho de Dentro, a neighborhood with a rich history rooted in Portuguese colonization and African heritage. This blend of cultures is the essence of the Brazilian Carnival. The influence of Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion, adds to the neighborhood’s unique cultural tapestry.

Read more: History And Types Of Samba In Brazil.

Our Continued Carnival Journey

This marked our fourth year participating in the parade with this wonderful Samba school, and each year has been an unforgettable experience. Each year with a new and exciting “Enredo”(plot). The energy, the community, and the sheer joy of Carnival are truly unique. We are looking forward to the next year.

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