Brazilian actress Pietra Quintela called it her “first real Carnival experience” after watching Rio’s Champions Parade from the VIP Camarote N°1 with her parents.
Actress Pietra Quintela attended the Champions Parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro and had a night she won’t soon forget. Joined by her parents, Marcos and Deborah, she watched the celebration from Camarote N°1, one of the most coveted VIP spaces in the iconic venue.
“The experience at the Sambadrome was incredible. Although I had been there as a child, this was truly my first major experience, because I could follow everything with a much deeper understanding. It was also my first time at the Champions Parade, which I consider the most iconic moment of Carnival.” — Pietra Quintela, actress
A front-row seat to Rio’s greatest show
The VIP camarote offered Pietra a panoramic, immersive view of the parade. Being so close to the samba schools and elaborate floats turned an already spectacular event into something she described as indescribable.
“The vibrant atmosphere and contagious energy that everyone talks about — it’s all true. Being in the camarote was wonderful. We had a spectacular view, as if we were part of the parade ourselves. I could follow every detail up close, and the feeling of being so near the samba schools and the floats is beyond words.” — Pietra Quintela, actress
Salgueiro won her over in minutes
Despite not following Carnival closely throughout the year, Pietra was captivated by the Acadêmicos do Salgueiro performance, whose drum queen is the celebrated Viviane Araújo. The energy and the samba-enredo were so infectious that Pietra learned the lyrics within minutes and was soon singing along with the crowd.
The highlight of the night: Sabrina Sato on the runway
Of all the memorable moments, one stood above the rest. The performance of Sabrina Sato as drum queen of Unidos de Vila Isabel moved Pietra deeply — and the connection between them made it even more personal.
“I’ve known Sabrina since I was little. Seeing her greatness, her poise, and her energy while dancing samba was inspiring. She is a force of nature. Her presence was what moved me the most and left the biggest mark on the entire evening.” — Pietra Quintela, actress
Photo: Lucas Ramos
