Fogueirão honors “Mothers of Samba” at Salvador’s Carnival

Paying tribute to samba matriarchs, Fogueirão Samba de Roda will electrify Campo Grande on Salvador’s first night of Carnival.

This year, as Salvador Carnival celebrates samba, the Fogueirão Samba de Roda pays homage to the Mothers of Samba – Guardians of Ancestral Culture, recognizing the vital role of women in preserving and passing down this traditional music.

“The theme comes from my own story. My mother, Dona Wanda, was always present,” says Jorge Fogueirão, singer, composer, and founder of the bloco. “Samba Fogueirão only performed in places where she could go. She was our madrinha from the start.”

The tribute also extends to other women who supported Samba Junino, such as Mãe Beth from Engenho Velho da Federação and Dona Bete from Engenho Velho de Brotas, whose determination and care helped sustain the movement through adversity.

Rhythm and emotion in Campo Grande

The parade takes place on Thursday, February 12, at 9 p.m. on Salvador’s traditional Osmar circuit (Campo Grande). Performers include Jorge Fogueirão, Caboquinho, Juninho Orisun, Dan Mocidade, Nei D’Resenha, and Alan Dudu.

Costumes are available at Samba Vivo (Shopping Piedade, floor L4), Irmãs de Valdir salon (Shopping Vasco da Gama), or by phone at +55 71 98746-7266 and +55 71 98183-6229.

The cultural roots of Fogueirão

Founded in 1987, Fogueirão emerged from the vibrant Samba Junino scene that flourished in Salvador’s neighborhoods such as Engenho Velho de Brotas and Liberdade. The group became a cultural beacon, celebrating Afro-Bahian heritage through rhythm, community, and tradition.

Now a fixture of Salvador’s Carnival since 2008, Banda Fogueirão carries forward the ancestral energy of samba, reaffirming it as the heartbeat of Bahian culture.

Photo: Divulgação

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