In Homage to Equatorial Guinea, Beija-Flor Samba School Is Crowned Champion of Rio Carnival

02/19/2015 - 10h00

With a samba-story about Equatorial Guinea, the Beija-Flor group has been crowned champion of the Carnival samba school processions in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

The samba school was awarded 269.9 out of possible 270 and won with 0.4 points of advantage over the second place, the Salgueiro group.

This is Beija-Flor's 13th trophy, who is now able to leave behind the bitter taste of last year's 7th place.

This year's samba-story aroused controversy and even featured on international news.

The issue refers to the group receiving funding from the government of Equatorial Guinea.

The country has been ruled under an authoritarian regime for 35 years by Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whose personal fortune is thought to be worth around US$ 600 million, according to "Forbes" magazine.

Translated by CRISTIANE COSTA LIMA

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