Unidos da Tijuca is one of the oldest and most innovative samba schools in Rio, representing the Morro do Borel and the Tijuca neighborhood. Founded in 1931, the school experienced a dramatic metamorphosis in the early 21st century under the creative direction of Paulo Barros, who revolutionized the modern parade by introducing "carnival of effects." This style focuses on theatrical "magic tricks," pop-culture references, and highly synchronized human movements on floats—most famously the 2010 "Harry Potter" disappearing act that secured a historic championship.

 

Dressed in blue and yellow, the school is celebrated for its ability to blend the traditional roots of the Borel community with high-tech, Hollywood-style spectacle. With its powerful drum wing, the Pura Cadência, Unidos da Tijuca remains a constant threat in the competition, proving that a school can honor its nearly century-old history while remaining at the cutting edge of visual entertainment.