The first samba school exclusively for women was born in Rio de Janeiro 10 years ago. Called “Grêmio Recreativo Escola de Samba TPM (PMS – in English), the school has been a feminist voice with a lot of music and empowerment.
In total, the school has 500 women who work daily to make everything perfect for the carnival parade. The theme of the 2024 parade is ‘A woman’s place is wherever she wants’. Does anyone doubt they will shine?
Origin
Carnival in Brazil carries a very macho heritage.
In the special group of samba schools in Rio, for example, only two schools have women presidents.
It is in this context that, 10 years ago, these women came together to make a revolution.
“The fight against prejudice is constant. After 10 years of much struggle, resistance, and overcoming all kinds of prejudice, we decided it was time to soar higher; we became the first female samba school in Brazil,” said Barbara Rigaud, president of the school.
Only Women
And everything is done by them.
Every function necessary for their carnival to happen is performed by the 500 women involved in the organization.
The goal is to gather more and more women and achieve new accomplishments in the carnival parades.
This Year’s Parade
The TPM School will participate in the parade held on Rua Intendente Magalhães between February 11 and 17. The official carnival dates are from February 10 to 13. Ash Wednesday is February 14.