Samba Schools Begin Rehearsals for 2026 Carnival in Nova Friburgo

The 2026 Carnival in Nova Friburgo is gaining momentum as the city's samba schools have commenced their rehearsal schedules. The four schools belonging to the Grupo Especial are currently in the early stages of preparation, holding their first community rehearsals to gather members and adjust the singing arrangements.

Despite facing a shorter timeframe for preparation compared to previous years, the schools are emphasizing strict organization and strong community participation to uphold the tradition and quality of the parades. The rehearsal calendar spans the months of January and February, featuring various stages such as battery rehearsals, community gatherings, street rehearsals, and a final general rehearsal.

The four samba schools have released their specific timetables for the upcoming season. Unidos do Imperador was among the first to resume activities, restarting battery rehearsals on Wednesday, January 7, followed by community rehearsals on Thursday, January 8. Their schedule includes a street rehearsal on Sunday, January 11, with technical rehearsals scheduled for January 18, January 25, and February 1. The school's general rehearsal is set for February 8.

GRESVillage no Samba also began its preparation cycle this Sunday, focusing on battery rehearsals and the presentation of prototypes. The school plans to hold community rehearsals throughout the month of January, leading up to the general rehearsal on February 8.

The Alunos do Samba school has organized its community rehearsals for Sundays at 5:00 PM on January 11, 18, and 25. In February, the school will shift focus to street rehearsals and commemorative events scheduled for February 1 and February 8.

Finally, Unidos da Saudade initiated its preparation activities on Thursday, January 8. Their programming includes a mix of singing rehearsals, community rehearsals, and show rehearsals throughout January and early February, concluding with a general rehearsal on February 8.

A significant highlight of this early season is the historic appointment within the Unidos do Imperador school. Anderson Andrade has been selected as the 'king of the battery,' marking the first time in the history of the Nova Friburgo carnival that a man has officially assumed this position.

This decision is viewed as a historic moment that symbolizes recognition and appreciation for the work developed within the battery sections, which are considered the heart of the parades. The appointment represents a step forward in acknowledging the contributions of those leading the musical and rhythmic elements of the samba schools.

With rehearsals now fully underway and the community mobilizing to participate, Nova Friburgo has officially begun the countdown to the 2026 Carnival. The city is preparing to maintain its reputation for vibrant and high-quality parades, driven by the enthusiasm of the participating schools and their supporters.

The collaborative effort between the schools and the local community serves as the foundation for the upcoming festivities. As the dates for street and general rehearsals approach, anticipation continues to build for the main event in February.