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Rainha, the Women of Carnival

By Tricia Chaves, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO - One of the highlights and often most widely displayed images of the Brazilian Carnival is the elaborately albeit scantily dressed sambistas. Leading the pack is often one or two ladies called the Rainha (queen) and Madrinha de Bateria (Godmother of the Drums).

This role originated with samba school Mocidade Independente in the 1970s when Adele Fátima lead their group into the Sambodrome. The Madrinha is typically a longtime or accomplished member of the . . .

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