RIO DE JANEIRO — Carnival represents a significant economic boost for the residents of Vila Vintem, a community in Rio de Janeiro’s west side, and it is especially vibrant this year due to the return of the Unidos de Padre Miguel samba school to the top samba parade league for the first time in nearly six decades.
As one of Rio’s prominent 12 top-tier samba schools, Unidos de Padre Miguel is seizing the opportunity to gain fame and possibly achieve glory while simultaneously injecting essential funds into its neighborhood.
Previously, when competing in the second division, the school received approximately 900,000 reais ($150,000) in funding from City Hall. This amount was modest compared to the sponsorship deals, TV rights revenues, pre-Carnival events, and ticket sales that top samba schools enjoy. However, their triumph in last year’s Carnival has elevated them to the main event, which began Sunday night.
This elevation has resulted in a significant increase in Padre Miguel’s budget, which has exceeded tenfold to nearly 11 million reais ($2 million), including almost 2 million reais from city contributions, according to Dr. Willie Baracho, the school’s deputy chairman.
The school has already allocated a substantial portion of these funds to support the community by employing local seamstresses, carpenters, and welders to prepare for the parade.
Economic benefits are already apparent in Vila Vintem, with numerous previously unemployed residents acquiring smartphones and household appliances. The completion of Padre Miguel’s new headquarters will soon shift rehearsals and community initiatives from a temporary facility that played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our samba school has various projects that assist residents, provide food, and host events for children,” expressed Luana Borges, 42, as she meticulously worked on costumes adorned in the school’s signature red and white. “Carnival provides opportunities for people like me,” Borges added, who was previously jobless.
Countless samba schools hail from working-class Rio neighborhoods, competing at the illustrious Sambadrome parade grounds. Rio’s favelas, often situated in densely packed, hillside areas, can also be found in diverse geographical settings. Vila Vintem, home to 14,000 residents, was established almost a century ago on flat lands adjacent to a railway under construction.
Initially regarded as valueless, not even worth a “vintem”—an early form of currency akin to a penny—the area eventually received basic services only after community members sometimes took matters into their own hands.
Despite the financial windfall from Carnival, Padre Miguel continues to be a financial underdog. Baracho noted that their more renowned competitors rely less on city funding and can generate up to 18 million reais ($3 million) from corporate sponsorships, merchandise sales, prime parade slots, and entrance fees for pre-Carnival festivities.
Being a locally driven organization, Padre Miguel employs mostly community members, whereas more affluent schools spend significantly more, possibly over 1 million reais, just for hiring coaches and dancers whose performances are judged. “The sky is the limit for some, but we fight,” Baracho remarked. “Our promotion to this level is a testament to our focus on investing in people and nurturing local talent.”
Padre Miguel led the festivities on Sunday evening, depicting the historical narrative of Iya? Nasso?, a prominent figure in Brazil’s Candomble faith. Experts advise that for emerging samba schools like Padre Miguel, the strategy should prioritize sustainability and avoiding relegation, rather than ambitiously aiming for the top prize. The Carnival’s top prize yields 20% of the Champions Parade ticket revenue, held the following weekend.
“There’s a slim chance for a school emerging from the second division to clinch the title,” advised Fátima Costa de Lima, a researcher in Carnival history and cultural studies professor. “There have been exceptions, but it’s rare. The primary goal for a school like (Padre Miguel) is to secure its standing.”
Ingrid Lima Leal, carrying a 15-year history with Padre Miguel, cherishes the employment opportunities it creates in Vila Vintem and aims for continuous inclusion in the renowned parade, ideally staying in the top tier.
While sewing a costume in her workshop, Leal conveyed the intense pride and joy of participating in the parade donning attire she helped design. “Carnival generates numerous jobs, not just here, but globally,” she commented.
