São Paulo Carnival's Second Night Dazzles Anhembi Sambadrome with Special Group Parades

Spectacle Unfolds at Anhembi Sambadrome

São Paulo's iconic Anhembi Sambadrome came alive on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for the second night of its highly anticipated Special Group samba school parades. Seven of the city's premier samba schools took to the 530-meter-long parade track, presenting a dazzling display of Brazilian culture, music, and artistry as part of the São Paulo Carnival 2026.

The Carnival, an annual festival held before Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent and is a significant cultural event in Brazil. São Paulo's celebration has grown to become one of the country's largest, known for its high-production samba parades and vibrant street parties.

Anhembi: A Stage for Grandeur

The Anhembi Sambadrome, officially known as the Polo Cultural e Esportivo Grande Otelo, served as the grand stage for these elaborate performances. Designed by the renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer and inaugurated in 1991, the venue is a cornerstone of São Paulo's cultural landscape. With a capacity to accommodate up to 103,200 people, the Sambadrome provides an immersive experience for spectators eager to witness the spectacle.

Located at 1.209 Avenida Olavo Fontoura in Santana, the Sambadrome is part of the larger Anhembi Convention Center complex and is easily accessible. Its 14-meter-wide parade track, or 'pista,' is meticulously prepared to host the thousands of performers, intricate floats, and rhythmic drum sections that define the samba school parades.

The Essence of Special Group Parades

The Special Group parades represent the pinnacle of São Paulo's Carnival competition, where samba schools vie for the coveted championship title. Each school presents a unique theme, brought to life through meticulously crafted costumes, allegorical floats, and original samba songs. The performances are judged across various categories, including drumming, harmony, flow and movement, theme development, and the visual appeal of costumes and floats.

Schools adhere to strict regulations, including parading for a minimum of 70 minutes and a maximum of 80 minutes, with penalties for deviations. The intense competition and breathtaking cultural displays showcase the depth of talent and dedication within São Paulo's samba community, making the second night of parades a highlight of the Carnival season.

A Celebration of Afro-Brazilian Heritage

The São Paulo Carnival, like others across Brazil, is deeply rooted in Afro-Brazilian influences, evident in the tribal beats, costumes, and the very essence of samba. The samba schools, many of which originated from grassroots community connections and social clubs, continue to be powerful expressions of Brazilian identity and collective joy. The parades are not merely entertainment but a profound celebration of heritage and artistic expression, drawing millions of revelers and tourists to the city each year.