Camarote Portela brings the “O Mistério do Príncipe do Bará” theme into its 2026 set design, with Mango’s curation and live shows scheduled from Feb. 13–21.
Camarote Portela has presented its 2026 set design as an homage to the samba-school theme “O Mistério do Príncipe do Bará – A Oração do Negrinho e a Ressurreição de Sua Coroa sob o Céu Aberto do Rio Grande”. Signed by Mango, the concept proposes a symbolic, spiritual, and political dive into the legacy of Príncipe Custódio. In addition, the project aims to connect religiosity, resistance, and Black identity in Brazil’s far South.
Organizers say last year’s standout was a set design that went beyond the venue’s walls, transforming areas into stories and emotions. For 2026, the curation promises an artistic occupation that honors the past without trapping it. In this way, the lounge frames the experience as a bridge between memory, art, and contemporaneity.
Curation guided by listening and research
The proposal to explore African heritage in Rio Grande do Sul is described as challenging due to layers of historical erasure. For that reason, the artistic curation and spatial design were developed with guidance from Jonathan Raymundo, a professor, writer, and project consultant. Thus, the process is presented as grounded in listening and cultural depth.
Creative director Julia Paula says the team treats entrusted themes seriously and creates space for protagonism. In addition, she notes that Black artists and thinkers are invited to speak with authority, sensitivity, and truth. In this way, the lounge describes its curation as meticulous and transformative.
“Taking seriously the themes entrusted to us elevates us as professionals and turns our set design into a truly immersive, responsible, and necessary dive. We joined forces to open space, listening, and protagonism, enabling Black artists and thinkers to express themselves with authority, sensitivity, and truth about the theme. That is how our artistic curation is born: a meticulous, generous, and transformative process for everyone involved.”
The text also says Black aesthetics do not appear as ornament. Instead, they are framed as structure and narrative, avoiding cliché, exoticism, or folklorization. Therefore, the set design is presented as ancestral presence in a contemporary, lived form.
Fotogracria and giant shell installations
As a first act, the lounge invited Salemm, a photographer and art director known as Fotogracria, to develop a photo essay inspired by the theme. Her named gallery will occupy one of the venue’s main buffet areas. In this way, photography becomes a central language within the set narrative.
The release describes Fotogracria’s work as using images for perception and affirmation, building narratives from those who live the territories. In addition, it highlights a positive, powerful, and complex representation of the favela. Thus, body, music, and identity intersect as key elements of her visual language.
“More than occupying a space, this lounge chooses to reposition narratives, restore centrality, and honor histories that have always been here—even when people tried to erase them.”
The quote is attributed to architect and set designer Bárbara Boy. In addition, on the way up to the second floor, the set will feature two giant shell sculptures by artist Julia Cavalcanti Di Siqueira. The pieces represent two lungs and symbolize a link between Brazil and Africa, according to the text.
Live music schedule
The program opens on February 13 with “Sexta-Abre Alas,” featuring MARVVILA. On Feb. 14, the lounge hosts Délcio Luiz and Velha Guarda da Portela, with Teresa Cristina as a guest. Next, on Feb. 15, Mauro Diniz is confirmed.
On Monday, Feb. 16, the stage brings Xande de Pilares. On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the featured act is Diogo Nogueira. Finally, on Feb. 21, the Champions’ Saturday, the announced attraction is Revelação.
According to the release, the ticket includes a prime location in Sector 3, with seating and an upper lounge, plus open bar and buffet throughout the event. A key feature is the live shows between parade segments. In addition, round-trip transportation is included from a meeting point at JW Marriott Copacabana.
Service
Camarote Portela
Dates: Feb. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 21, 2026
Venue: Sambódromo da Marquês de Sapucaí
Address: R. Marquês de Sapucaí – Santo Cristo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 20220-007, Brazil
Age policy: Children under 5 admitted only with a ticket, accompanied by a legal guardian, and with court authorization, according to the release
Online service fee: none
Limit per CPF: 4 tickets per day
Online payments: Pix, 2 installments interest-free, 3 to 10 installments with interest
Policy: cancellations, chargebacks, or refunds are not accepted on the day of the event
Technical rehearsal open to the public
For the first time, Camarote Portela will also run programming during the Special Group technical rehearsals, open to the public. Tickets are on sale for Feb. 6, Feb. 7, and Feb. 8, including open bar, a DJ, and a samba circle at the end of each rehearsal, according to the text. In this way, Carnival fans can preview the schools’ preparations from a privileged spot at the Sambadrome.