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Niterói School Transforms Parade Into A Vibrant Tribute To Traditional Samba And Wins Over Judges With A Plot That United Emotion, Technique, And Spectacle At Sapucaí
The Unidos do Viradouro won the Golden Banner 2026 as the best school in the Special Group and consolidated its position among the great powers of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival. With the plot “Pra Cima, Ciça”, the Red and White from Niterói touched the audience and convinced the judges by dedicating the parade to the drum master Ciça (Moacyr da Silva).
In addition to the main title, the school also won for best front commission and secured the award for best master of ceremonies, with Julinho. Thus, the association not only shone at Sapucaí, but also dominated important technical categories.
The information was disclosed by “O GLOBO” and “Extra”, responsible for organizing the Golden Banner, which reached its 54th edition in 2026. According to the judges, the Viradouro precisely explored the charisma and trajectory of Ciça, transforming the avenue into a stage of reverence for traditional samba.
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Homage to Ciça Drives Parade and Transforms Emotion into Winning Strategy
From the start of the parade, the school made its narrative proposal clear. First, Ciça actively participated in the front commission. Next, she rode through the school on a motorcycle until she reached the drum section. After that, she climbed onto the float next to Queen Juliana Paes, who returned to her position after 17 years, and conducted the drummers from above.
This movement not only had a visual impact, but also built an increasing emotional arc. As a result, the audience reacted with enthusiasm and the judges recognized the symbolic strength of the presentation.
At the end, Ciça stepped down from the last float surrounded by members and supporters, visibly emotional. Therefore, Viradouro achieved something rare: uniting technique, thematic coherence, and genuine emotion in a single spectacle.
While other schools relied on grand effects, the Red and White prioritized identity, narrative, and human protagonism. Consequently, the parade gained depth and stood out amid the competitiveness of the Special Group.
During the daily evaluation, the jury indicated Imperatriz as a finalist on Sunday, Viradouro on Monday, and Vila Isabel on Tuesday. However, it was the Niterói school that maintained the greatest consistency and secured the maximum recognition of the award.
Other Schools and Artists Also Stand Out in the Awards
In addition to Viradouro’s victory, the Golden Banner 2026 recognized individual and collective talents.
Igor Sorriso from Salgueiro won in the puller category. He achieved his second banner. The first came in 2011 when he debuted in the Special Group with São Clemente and took the revelation award.
Meanwhile, the flag bearer Cintya Santos from Mangueira received the category award this year. Known as “Hurricane”, she won her second banner. The first occurred in 2023 during her debut with the Green and Pink.
In the drum section, the Unidos da Tijuca took the trophy. In turn, Tuiuti received recognition for the best section of baianas. Meanwhile, Mocidade won in the passistas section.
The jury president, Marcelo de Melo, highlighted an important point: many sections of passistas prioritize excessive choreography. In contrast, Mocidade valued classical fundamentals. “Passista is a soloist,” he emphasized.
In the Golden Series, Unidos de Padre Miguel won as the best school. Additionally, the samba-enredo of União do Parque Acari received the title of best of 2025. In the Fernando Pamplona category, which awards creativity with accessible materials, the third allegory from Vigário Geral (“Malassombro sertanejo”) earned the honor.
Finally, the Highlight Award from the Public will be decided by online voting from readers, after pre-selection conducted by journalists from O GLOBO and Extra. Each school in the Special Group will have one nominated item, further increasing popular engagement.
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