Rio’s association of samba schools LIESA has disclosed the order of schools to parade in the Grupo Especial, the group competing for the biggest prize, on February 19 and 20. Lots were drawn yesterday evening (Jul 11) in the Cidade do Samba complex, where samba schools hold their preparation facilities.
Day one kicks off with Império Serrano, a school that climbed to the Grupo Especial after becoming champion in the Série Ouro in this year’s Carnival. They should be followed by Acadêmicos do Grande Rio—the winners of the 2022 Grupo Especial—and next by Mocidade, Unidos da Tijuca, Salgueiro, and Mangueira.
The second day will be opened by Paraíso do Tuiuti—second to last in this year’s Grupo Especial—followed by Portela, Vila Isabel, Imperatriz, runner-up Beija-Flor, and Viradouro.
