To the surprise of most of us, Unidos da Tijuca (which reads something like “Tijuca United” – Tijuca is a neighborhood in Rio westside) are crowned champions of Rio Carnival 2010, after a very very long wait (their last and only title was in 1936).
Yes, it was a surprise. Whoever watched the parade on the first day was certainly touched by the remarkable performance, which we considered the main highlight of the spectacle here at Carnival Rio. Their theme, “secrets”, featured lots of beautiful cars and costumes, like Mafia boys, Michael Jackson, heroes and others. A performance that made Unidos da Tijuca one of the main contenders, one that made the public love them. A deserved title for an outlier.
While we wait for the results from Carnival Rio 2010 – which is decided by votes casted by a commission similar to that which chooses among Oscar or Grammy nominees – Sao Paulo already have their champion, Rosas de Ouro (Golden Roses) which paid a homage to Mexico and to chocolate.
While Sao Paulo carnival is not as much fashioned as Rio, the quality of the performances is pretty much similar. The decision is also voted by a commission, like that of Rio.
Rio Carnival parades have just started last night with some of the favorites showing their fancy cars and allegories in high style. A particular highlight was shown by Unidos da Tijuca, one of the main contenders, which has bringen in some secrets to be revealed only during the parade, having performers changing their clothes right on the ground. Unidos da Tijuca also paid a homage to Michael Jackson and showed an Italian mob section, something that appeals to americans in particular.
If you are mexican, Viradouro has also paid a homage to you. Diego Rivera performed in this parade dedicated to the mexican people. Other highlights are Beija Flor – who told the story of Brasilia, the 1960-founded capital city of Brazil, a grandiouse, monumental planned town that today is home to more than 2 million people – and Salgueiro, the current champion, who had books in general as the main theme.
