Where Carnival is Born
Behind the Scenes
The Honor of Documenting Inocentes de Belford Roxo
A Personal Invitation to Carnival 2025
Some opportunities arrive like a heartbeat—unexpected, electrifying, and life-changing. When I received the invitation to document Inocentes de Belford Roxo, one of Rio’s most passionate samba schools, I felt the weight of this moment. This wasn’t just an assignment; it was an invitation into a world where rhythm, history, and community pulse together as one.
A Grateful Heart
I’m so excited to share this incredible experience with you, my very first blog post! (Can you believe it? Me, a blogger! I’m still getting used to the idea.)
A few weeks ago, my amazing husband surprised me by signing us up for a photo weekend with copadobrasilfotografia. At first, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but let me tell you, it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
Here’s the twist: after a bit of research, we discovered that we weren’t just going to take pretty pictures of landscapes or cityscapes. Instead, we were invited to document the atelier of Inocentes de Belford Roxo, one of the most iconic samba schools in Brazil. I mean, how cool is that?
Walking into their atelier felt like stepping into a different world, a world bursting with color, creativity, and passion. The energy was electric, and the sense of community was palpable. For a day, I wasn’t just a photographer or an outsider; I felt like I was part of something truly special.
The artisans welcomed us with open arms, letting us capture their dedication, their artistry, and their love for samba. Every sequin, every feather, every brushstroke told a story, and I felt so honored to be able to document it.
I’ll admit, I was a little nervous at first. I mean, who was I to step into this sacred space and try to capture its essence? But as the day went on, I realized that this wasn’t about perfection, it was about connection. It was about celebrating the beauty of a culture that brings people together in the most joyful way.
I’m so grateful to my husband for this opportunity (thank you, love!) and to Inocentes de Belford Roxo for letting us be a small part of their world. This experience reminded me of how powerful it is to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unexpected.
If you’re ever given the chance to immerse yourself in something new, say yes. You never know what magic might unfold.
Thanks for reading my very first blog post! I’m still figuring this whole blogging thing out, but I’m excited to share more adventures with you. Let me know what you think in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
With love and gratitude,
The Call That Changed Everything.
I still remember the moment my phone buzzed with the message. It was an invitation not just to photograph, but to witness, to experience. Inocentes de Belford Roxo, a school known for its resilience and powerful storytelling, had opened its doors to me.
Their 2025 theme, still wrapped in secrecy, promises a spectacle of color, movement, and deep cultural narratives. But beyond the grandeur of the parade lies something even more compelling: the people—the dancers, the seamstresses, the percussionists who pour their soul into this celebration.
Behind the Scenes: Where Carnival is Born.
Over the next two days, I’ll be stepping into the hidden heart of Carnival: the workshops where feathers and sequins come to life, the rehearsals where sweat and devotion merge, the late night gatherings where samba is more than music……it’s a heartbeat.
Icaro Ribeiro Ferreira Meira is more than a producer; he is a visionary storyteller whose creative lens brings raw emotion and authenticity to every project. Working alongside Belford Roxo, he crafts narratives that transcend the screen, blending technical mastery with deep artistic sensibility. I deeply admire his ability to weave emotion into visual storytelling, and through my lens, I aim to capture the same essence—turning fleeting moments into timeless expressions.
A Journey of Connection and Storytelling.
This isn’t just about Carnival, it’s about intimacy and connection. It’s about how a community weaves its past into the present, about the unbreakable ties between culture and expression.
As I document this journey, I invite you to walk alongside me. Let’s step beyond the spectacle and into the soul of Carnival.
