SALGUEIRO 2007

About

The 2007 enredo explored the "Candaces," the powerful warrior queens of the Kingdom of Kush (modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia). The parade traveled back thousands of years to showcase a matrilineal African society where women held supreme political and religious power. It was a grand tribute to the female strength that predates European colonization, highlighting the "Black Pharaohs" and the mystical rituals of the Nile Valley.

Visually, Salgueiro transformed the Sambadrome into a golden empire. The floats utilized Egyptian and Nubian iconography, blending sun-drenched yellows with deep earthy tones to represent the wealth and divinity of these queens. The school emphasized the connection between these ancient rulers and the contemporary Black women of Brazil, suggesting that the spirit of the Candaces lives on in every grandmother, mother, and daughter of the community.

The parade was a high-energy celebration of ancestral pride. The "Bateria" (drums) incorporated rhythms that evoked ancient marches, while the costumes were praised for their historical research and elegance. It was a sophisticated narrative that moved away from the "victimhood" often seen in historical themes, opting instead to portray African history through a lens of absolute power, majesty, and administrative brilliance.

Result: 7th Place

Trivia: The term "Candace" (or Kandake) was actually a title for the queen mothers of the Kingdom of Kush, much like "Pharaoh" was a title for the kings of Egypt.