Learn about the history of the Passista Dourado competition at the Manaus Carnival

The Manaus Samba Schools Executive Committee (Cisma) will host on Saturday (7) another edition of the 2023 Carnival “Escolha da Corte” 14, Southern District of the Capital. Learn more about the history of the competition in the Amazonas capital.

The event began in the 1970s, according to one of the competition’s creators, Julio Gama, who this year also competed as “basista dorado” at UK’s Liberty Samba School from the 1970s until the 1980s. But back in the ’90s, we missed out on the wayfarers. And at that time, I rallied some friends to bring back the contest. Until 2010, the President of Grêmios Recreativos Escola de Samba do Carnaval de Manaus at that time, Dr. Elimar Cunha joined the inclusion of this method in the Manaus Carnival programme. And since then, all the young people who love samba all year round are preparing to represent their school from the heart.

Those who also supported the return of the pageant to the carnival scene in Amazonas, according to Gama, were radio announcers Jurandir Vieira and Elyeide Menezes, from Rádio Difusora FM. “They have always been great supporters of Amazonian samba. They supported the idea and encouraged the inclusion of this method in the selection of the Amazonian carnival court, which was also the will of a group of dancers.” Amazonas.

According to the president of Ceesma, Roberto Simonetti Filho, the choice of the carnival hall is one of the most awaited moments by the Amazonian community, by the representatives of the samba schools, and mainly by the stars who parade in the street.

“This year, we introduced two novelties, exclusive to online registrations, respect for Covid-prevention protocols, avoiding clusters. And the dismemberment of the pass-donor element, that is, the pass-donor receives the label PASSISTA DE OURO, and the pass-donor receives the label PASSISTA DOURADO.”

The program also includes Z Mario, drummer from Vittoria Regia Samba School and DJ Leila Abreu.

In this edition, 19 candidates compete for the titles of Basista de Oro, Basista Dorado, King Momo and Queen of the Official Court of the Manaus Carnival 2023.