Special Group 2026
The 2026 Rio de Janeiro Special Group parades took place between February 15th and 17th, 2026, at the Marquês de Sapucaí, with exclusive broadcast on TV Globo. The schools in the Special Group in 2026 were, in order of presentation: Acadêmicos de Niterói, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Portela, Estação Primeira de Mangueira, Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, Beija-Flor de Nilópolis, Unidos do Viradouro, Unidos da Tijuca, Paraíso do Tuiuti, Unidos de Vila Isabel, Acadêmicos do Grande Rio, and Acadêmicos do Salgueiro. The grand champion was Unidos do Viradouro, with a theme honoring Mestre Ciça. The other schools that returned on Champions' Saturday were Beija-Flor, Vila Isabel, Salgueiro, Imperatriz, and Mangueira, and the school relegated to the Gold Series was Acadêmicos de Niterói.
Acadêmicos de Niterói – From the heights of Mulungu arises hope: Lula, the worker of Brazil
The faith and journey of the working-class Lula, from the backlands to power.
Imperatriz Leopoldinense – Camaleônico
The audacity, freedom, and transgressive art of Ney Matogrosso.
Portela – O Mistério do Príncipe do Bará
Who was Príncipe Custódio, a historical and spiritual figure of African origin who left his mark on Afro-Gaucho culture in the 19th century
Mangueira – Mestre Sacaca do Encanto Tucuju: O Guardião da Amazônia Negra
Celebrating ancestral Amazonian wisdom and the legacy of Mestre Sacaca, a leading figure in Afro-Indigenous knowledge in Amapá.
Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel – Rita Lee, padroeira da liberdade
A tribute to the irreverence and revolutionary spirit of Rita Lee.
Beija-Flor de Nilópolis – Bembé
Celebrating the ancestry, faith, and rhythms of Bembé do Mercado.
Acadêmicos do Viradouro – Pra Cima, Ciça!
Characterized by the powerful percussion section and the winning trajectory of the great Mestre Ciça.
Unidos da Tijuca – Carolina Maria de Jesus
Telling the life story and work of Carolina Maria de Jesus, one of the most powerful voices in Brazilian literature.
Paraíso do Tuiuti – Lonã Ifá Lukumi
Diving into the spirituality and mysteries of the Afro-Caribbean religion Lonã Ifá Lukumi.
Unidos de Vila Isabel – Macumbembê, samborembá: sonhei que um sambista sonhou a África
In homage to the art, samba, and legacy of the multi-talented artist Heitor dos Prazeres.
Acadêmicos do Grande Rio – Nação do Mangue
Celebrating the cultural and musical power of the Manguebeat movement.
Acadêmicos do Salgueiro - A Delirante Jornada Carnavalesca da professora que não tinha medo de bruxa, de bacalhau e nem do pirata da perna-de-pau
A carnival-themed journey through myths, legends, and fantastical universes by carnival designer Rosa Magalhães.