EM CIMA DA HORA
A Story of Resilience, Rhythm, and Reverence at Rio Carnival 2025
A Parade Steeped in Afro-Brazilian Tradition
Em Cima da Hora dives into the heart of Afro-Brazilian spirituality this year, paying homage to the sacred terreiros—spaces of worship and resistance that have shaped Brazil’s cultural identity for centuries. The school’s theme will explore the powerful connection between samba and the spiritual forces that have long inspired its rhythms, costumes, and storytelling.
At the helm of this year’s artistic direction are Marco Antônio Falleiros and Carlos Eduardo, two talented visionaries determined to craft an unforgettable parade. Under the leadership of President Álvaro Lopes, Em Cima da Hora aims to blend tradition with innovation, bringing to life the essence of Afro-Brazilian heritage in a grand, soul-stirring performance.
Musa: Em Cima da Hora.
"Tambor quando toca é voz de orixá
É feitiço de Ilá, ô ô"
Translated, it means: “When the drum plays, it’s the voice of the orixá; it’s the spell of Ilá, oh oh.” These verses encapsulate the soul of the parade—rhythmic, mystical, and deeply connected to ancestral roots.
Recent Developments
Costume Workshop Incident: In mid-February 2025, a fire at a Rio de Janeiro factory resulted in the loss of costumes for three samba schools, just 16 days before Carnival. While this incident posed significant challenges, the resilience and community spirit of the samba schools have been evident as they work tirelessly to recover and ensure a spectacular performance.
Excitement, Fear, and the Dream of Belonging
Emotions run high as the dancers prepare to step onto the sacred ground of the Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí. The thrill of performing before thousands is mixed with the fear of not doing justice to the history they carry. But beyond the nerves lies a greater truth, this is the dream of every child born on this land, the dream to belong to the sacred stage where generations before them have danced, celebrated, and lived samba with every beat of their hearts.
