Imperatriz
Imperatriz has great winning records and brings excellence to its parades like no other
One of the oldest samba schools in Rio with a history of more than 50 years, Imperatriz Leopoldinense is well-known for its futuristic concepts such as the one time flying parade on the Avenue. Similar to some other old schools names like Portela, Estácio, Imperio Serrano, it draws inspiration from its history of famous percussionists. Imperatriz has been a winner of Rio Carnival eight times.
History
The Grêmio Recreativo Escola de Samba Imperatriz Leopoldinense was founded on March 6th 1959. It is believed that the samba-school´s name was dedicated to the Leopoldina’s railway line and this was because the founders wanted that the school’s name represented all of Leopoldina’s suburbs. In 1959, it received honourable mention at the ornamentation contest of Rio de Janeiro city, after which it steadily claimed success and recognition with its brilliant performances. The school advanced further since the arrival of the great President Luiz Pacheco Drummond.
Identity
Samba school Imperatriz’s flag has 11 golden stars signifying Leopoldina’s neighbourhoods and its colors are green and white, considering the colors of its Godmother Samba School – the Império Serrano. The school’s symbol which is an indication of the first reign’s crown, that of the Empress Leopoldina who governed Brazil.
Performance
Samba School Imperatriz Leopoldinense has won thrice in a row, in 1999, 2000 and 2001 and is the current record holder challenged only by Beija-Flor. It has a history of themes such as ancient healing rites, the lack of health in the Middle Ages, and great names in Brazil health science.
Its huge success is attributed to its technically exceptional performance. The School's longstanding Carnival Designer, Rosa Magalhães makes eccentric yet extremely appealing fairy-tale like imaginative creations. It has become famous for introducing innovation, choreographies that bind the dramatic themes and youngsters connected to the community.
Play the samba school Imperatriz Leopoldinense 2012 theme song
Samba Enredo 2012 (Lyrics)
"Jorge, Amado Jorge"
Authors: Jeferson Lima, Ribamar, Alexandre D'Mendes, Cristovão Luiz e Tuninho Professor
Ave, Bahia sagrada!
Abençoada por Oxalá!
O mar, beijando a esperança,
Descansa nos braços de Iemanjá
Menino amado…
Destino bordado de inspiração.
Iluminado…
Vestiu palavras de fascinação
Olha o acarajé! Quem vai querer?
Temperado no axé e dendê (bis)
Quem tem fé vai a pé… Vai, sim!
Abrir caminhos na Lavagem do Bonfim
(No Rio...) O vento soprou
As letras em liberdade
Joga a rede, pescador!
O povo tem sede de felicidade.
A brisa a embalar
Histórias que falam de amor
Memórias sob o lume do luar
O doce perfume da flor
Ê Bahia! Ê Bahia!
Dos santos, encantos, magia.
Kaô Kabesilê! Ora Iê Iê Oxum!
Tem festa no Pelô
Na ladeira, capoeira mata um
Sou Imperatriz! Sou emoção!
Meu coração quer festejar! (bis)
Ao mestre escritor, um canto de amor
Jorge Amado, Saravá!
