Entertainment

São Paulo’s Sambódromo do Anhembi came alive Saturday night as the second night of parades in the Grupo Especial, the top tier of the city’s famed Carnival competition, commenced. Seven samba schools took to the avenue, each vying for the coveted championship title with elaborate costumes, towering floats, and pulsating rhythms. The performances ranged from strong contenders aiming for the top spot to schools battling to maintain their place in the Grupo Especial for next year.

The evening began with Império de Casa Verde, who presented a vibrant tribute to “Império dos Balangandãs: Joias Negras Afro-Brasileiras,” a celebration of Black Brazilian jewelry and culture, centering on the figure of Dona Fulô. The school’s performance captivated the audience, showcasing the rich history and artistry of Afro-Brazilian traditions. The annual Carnival in São Paulo draws massive crowds and is a significant cultural event for the city and the nation.

However, the evening wasn’t without incident. During the procession of the Ala das Baianas – the traditional section featuring women in elaborate Bahia-inspired dresses – one performer reportedly fell ill. According to reports, both firefighters and members of the public assisted in providing aid to the dancer. Despite the brief disruption, Império de Casa Verde completed their parade within the allotted time, avoiding penalties.

Following Império de Casa Verde, Águia de Ouro took the stage, honoring the city of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. The third school to perform was Mocidade Alegre, paying homage to the late actress Léa Garcia, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 90. The tribute to Garcia, a beloved figure in Brazilian entertainment, resonated with the crowd.

The remaining schools scheduled to perform throughout the night include Gaviões da Fiel, Estrela do Terceiro Milênio, Tom Maior, and Camisa Verde e Branco. The parades are expected to continue until early Sunday morning. The first night of parades, held on Friday, featured performances from Mocidade Unida da Mooca, Colorado do Brás, Dragões da Real, Acadêmicos do Tatuapé, Rosas de Ouro, Vai-Vai, and Barroca Zona Sul.

The competition is fierce, with each school investing significant resources and months of preparation into their performances. The judging criteria encompass various elements, including the samba-enredo (the theme song), the costumes, the floats, the choreography, and the overall impression. The results will have a significant impact on the schools’ standings for the following year.

The theme of “Império dos Balangandãs: Joias Negras Afro-Brasileiras” chosen by Império de Casa Verde, highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating Afro-Brazilian heritage. The school’s presentation aimed to showcase the beauty and resilience of Black women in Brazil, as well as the cultural significance of their adornments. View photos of Império de Casa Verde’s performance here.

The Carnival parades in São Paulo are not only a spectacle of artistry and entertainment but also a reflection of Brazilian culture and identity. The event draws both locals and tourists, contributing significantly to the city’s economy and tourism sector. More details on Império de Casa Verde’s parade can be found here.

As the night progresses, anticipation builds for the final performances and the eventual announcement of the winners. The culmination of months of hard operate and dedication will be revealed in the coming days, determining which school will be crowned champion of the São Paulo Carnival. The remaining schools will continue to present their elaborate displays, hoping to leave a lasting impression on the judges and the audience. Read more about the evening’s events on IstoÉ.

The conclusion of the Grupo Especial parades marks a significant milestone in the São Paulo Carnival celebrations. The results will be closely watched by samba school enthusiasts and the broader community, as they eagerly await the announcement of the winners and the start of preparations for next year’s festivities. Share your thoughts on the parades and your favorite schools in the comments below.

A new Wavve streaming series, “Chefs of the Gongyanggan” (“공양간의 셰프들”), is offering viewers a unique glimpse into the world of Korean temple cuisine. Premiering February 13th, the series follows six renowned Buddhist monks as they prepare and share meals, exploring the philosophy and practice behind this traditional culinary art. The show is already generating buzz, with viewers captivated by the dedication and artistry on display.

The series features Sunjae Seonm, Gyeho Seonm, Jeokmun Seonm, Daean Seonm, Jeonggwan Seonm, and Ugwan Seonm, each bringing their unique expertise to the kitchen. “Chefs of the Gongyanggan” isn’t just about cooking; it’s a deep dive into the spiritual and mindful practices that inform the creation of each dish. As vegan and plant-based diets gain global popularity, the series offers a compelling look at a centuries-old tradition that prioritizes healthy, sustainable eating.

A Lineup of Temple Cuisine Masters

The series showcases the “signature dishes” of six masters of temple cuisine, a practice that was designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2025, according to Megaeconomy. Among them is Sunjae Seonm, known for his appearance on the Netflix original series “Black and White Chef Season 2” as ‘Baeksujeo,’ and Jeonggwan Seonm, who gained international recognition through “Chef’s Table.”

The show’s first episode features the six monks preparing individual dishes and sharing a meal together. Jeonggwan Seonm remarked that the experience felt like a cooking competition, while Sunjae Seonm observed Ugwan Seonm, a “New York-educated” monk, and playfully commented, “We wouldn’t use ingredients like that, he’s already showing his youth!” as reported by Star News Korea.

Sunjae Seonm’s Journey to Wellness

The series also touches upon the personal journeys of the monks. Sunjae Seonm, for example, revealed he was once given a one-year life expectancy due to liver cirrhosis, but credits temple cuisine with his recovery. This personal story adds another layer of depth to the series, highlighting the healing power of mindful eating and traditional Korean cuisine.

The show’s appeal extends beyond culinary enthusiasts. It’s a chance to witness a unique cultural practice and explore the intersection of food, spirituality, and well-being. As one Facebook post promoting the series states, “서로의 마음이 오갈 수 있겠다” (“You can feel each other’s hearts”), suggesting the show offers a heartwarming and insightful experience. Wavve’s Facebook page is actively promoting the series with this sentiment.

What’s Next for “Chefs of the Gongyanggan”?

“Chefs of the Gongyanggan” is currently streaming exclusively on Wavve. The series promises to delve deeper into the individual stories of each monk and explore the nuances of temple cuisine, offering viewers a unique and enriching viewing experience. As the series unfolds, it will be compelling to see how these culinary masters continue to innovate and share their wisdom with a wider audience.

What are your thoughts on the growing interest in mindful eating and traditional cuisines? Share your comments below and let us know if you’ll be tuning in to “Chefs of the Gongyanggan!”