Rio Carnival Celebrates the Achievements of Black Women with its Winning Tribute

The samba school Viradouro emerged as the winner of the highly competitive Carnival parade contest in Rio de Janeiro. The school's performance paid homage to black women and aimed to honor the sacredness of cobras in certain regions of Benin in Africa. Viradouro sought to highlight the historical connections between Brazil and Benin, as many individuals who were enslaved in Brazil originally hailed from Benin. The parade included elaborate floats and dancers adorned with snake-inspired headgear, symbolizing the presence of snakes throughout the performance. Additionally, the school celebrated voodoo beliefs, as shared by their artistic director in an interview. Drums played a central role in the vibrant procession, as the samba school made its way through the Sambadrome, the venue that hosts the annual competition.