Not even the heavy rain at Sapucaí stopped Gardênia Cavalcanti from shining during Grande Rio’s final samba rehearsal with soul and passion.
On Sunday night (8), the Grande Rio muse turned the storm into spectacle. Dressed in a sparkling green outfit of fringes and crystals, Gardênia Cavalcanti embodied elegance, rhythm, and a deep connection to her samba school from Duque de Caxias.
As the samba avenue flooded, she removed her sandals to dance safely, never losing her smile. “I’m so happy to represent my school. I had to take off my heels because it was slippery. Dedication is everything — whoever’s in the rain must get wet,” she said, laughing.
The night carried strong emotion. This year’s samba theme celebrates Recife and the manguebeat movement — both meaningful to Gardênia. “Grande Rio is singing about my homeland, dear Recife, and a movement I saw being born. I hope the song becomes a call for social awareness,” she added.
Beyond the parades, Gardênia also hosts Vem com a Gente on Band Rio and Band Verão, balancing her TV career with carnival life. Her inspiring journey will be honored by the samba school Tradição in 2026 with the theme The Sertão Girl Who Became a TV Star.
Grande Rio will parade as the third school on Carnival Tuesday, February 17, bringing to the avenue a tribute to the cultural roots and rhythms of Northeastern Brazil.
Photo: Press release
