Portela Is Rio's Carnaval Champion After 33 Years Wait

03/02/2017 - 10h55

Portela broke a 33-year old streak fast and sacramented itself as Rio's Carnaval champion for the 22nd time in its history, during a year marked by serious accidents in the Sambódromo which left at least 30 people injured.

The last time that the samba school won a title was in 1984. Under the baton of Paulo Barros this Carnaval, the blue-and-white spoke of rivers in its parade.

The plot made reference to one of the biggest names from the school, Paulinho da Viola, with the title "There was a river that passed through my life and my heart let go", a verse from one of his best-known songs.

The school also made reference to the tragedy that took place at the Samarco dam in Mariana (MG), with the float "The River That Was Fresh & Sweet".

The Independent League of Samba Schools decided that no association would be reproved.

Those that came in last place, Paraíso do Tuiuti (Tuiuti Paradise) and Unidos da Tijuca (Tijuca United) had accidents with their floats, the worst in 33 years at the Sambódromo.

Portela's victory was decided by the last criteria: plot. The association bested Mocidade Independent de Padre Miguel (Independent Youth of Miguel the Priest) which finished in second place.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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