Portela Sets 2027 Carnaval Theme Honoring Monarco

Overview

• Portela, which announced the theme Saturday at its 103rd anniversary feijoada, will honor Monarco with “Ao mestre, com carinho” signed by carnavalesco Paulo Barros, a Portela champion in 2017.
• The launch drew artists including Paulinho da Viola, Zeca Pagodinho, Marisa Monte and Maria Rita, who celebrated Monarco’s influence on the school and on samba.
• The school outlined a broader overhaul for 2027 with the return of singer Bruno Ribas as lead interpreter and a new Carnival direction led by Dudu Falcão, Elisa Fernandes and Camarão Netto.
• Sérgio Lobatto and Patrícia Salgado will lead the comissão de frente, while harmony chiefs Marcelo Jacob, Almir Souza and Vitor Leite were promoted, and the first couple and Mestre Vitinho remain in their roles.
• Monarco, born Hildemar Diniz, joined Portela’s composers’ wing in the 1950s and left 16 albums, including “Passado de glória,” a staple warm‑up song the school sings before entering the avenue.