Top scoring samba schools return to Rio’s Sambadrome for champion’s parade

The six top-scoring samba schools from Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival returned to the Sambadrome for a final parade, wowing spectators with dazzling costumes, energetic performances, and live samba music.

Mangueira, which placed sixth, opened the festivities, while Beija Flor de Nilópolis, this year’s champion, closed the night in triumphant fashion.

Beija Flor was crowned the 2025 Rio Carnival champion with a parade theme honoring its…