Listen here to the samba song of the Rio Samba School Portela. Just click on the music player on the side.

Samba School Portela

Rua Clara Nunes 81
Madureira

Samba nights:
Wednesdays 20:00, Fridays 22:00

Colors: blue and white
Established in 1923

2012 parading time

Portela is one of the oldest schools despite several name changes in the past. Only its symbol, the eagle, remains unchanged. It is considered to be the oldest Rio samba group, however not the oldest school.

Samba school Portela used to be one of the very best schools for a long time running, winning 21 times, an all-time record. However it had somewhat lost its excellence since the 1980s for a long period. It had only managed to remain in the Special Group for years mainly because of its history and fame. However, it has recovered its original glory in the last few years again.

Portela

Theme: "...and people singing on the streets, is like a prayer, a ritual…"

Composers: Wanderley Monteiro, Luiz Carlos Maximo, Toninho Nascimento e Naldo 

Lyrics of the Samba Song

Meu rei
Senhor do Bonfim alumia
Os caminhos da Portela
Que eu guardo no meu patua
Eu vim na proteção dos meus guias
Com Clara guerreira a Bahia
Cheguei, eu cheguei pra festejar
Deixa lavar nos altares e terreiros
Tem jarro com agua de cheiro
Vou jogar flores no mar

No mar
Procissão dos navegantes
Eu tambem sou almirante 
De nossa senhora Iemanja 

Vou no gonga
Bater tambor
Rezo no altar
Levo o andor
Vem chegando os batuqueiros
Desce a ladeira, meu amor
Que a patuscada comecou
Eu vim pra rua
Onde o samba de roda chegou

Iaia
De saia rendada em cetim
Bota o tempero na festa 
Oi, tem abará e quindim 

Portela cheia de encantos
Acolhe a Bahia em seu canto
Com festas, rezas, rituais
Vestido de azul e branco
Eu venho estender o nosso manto
Aos meus santos do samba que sao Orixas

Madureira sobe o Pelo... Tem capoeira
Na batida do tambor... Samba Ioio
Rola o toque de Olodum... La na Ribeira 
A Bahia me chamou

2012 Parading Theme

"...and people singing on the streets, is like a prayer, a ritual…"

Portela is one of the most traditional samba schools in Rio de Janeiro. In 2012 its theme will be the many religious parties that take place in Bahia. Being a melting pot of many cultures, Bahia is one of the most interesting places in Brazil. The religion, especially Candomblé, that came from Africa with the slaves, has a remarkable influence in Brazilian culture.