The vibrant colours of the Rosas de Ouro entrance beckon. Its history unfolds before you.
Founded in 1971 in Vila Brasilândia this samba school began as a dream of four friends. They wanted to liven up local football matches. Their growing popularity inspired a bigger dream a samba school. To fund their first parade they collected money from local businesses. Eduardo Basílio a key figure remains its president to this day. His name graces the school’s impressive quadra one of São Paulo’s best.
The Rosas de Ouro’s name is inspired by a symbol. The three solid gold roses bestowed by Pope Leo XIII. This honour was given to women and important temples or sanctuaries. Princess Isabel received it for signing the Golden Law. The samba school adopted the name in honour of this historical event.
Originally the colours were pink and white. During preparations for the 1972 carnival a founder’s sister bought pink fabric. She found a great sale of turquoise. The school’s colours became predominantly blue and pink.
The school’s early space was cramped. Eduardo Basílio knew for growth a larger building was crucial. In late 1979 he opened one of Brazil’s biggest quadras and samba school buildings. The large structure in Freguesia do Ó is equipped for mega-events.
Its early success was remarkable. In 1972 it almost won its first parade. It lost points for not notifying organisers that they were ready. In 1974 it won the Second Group rising to the main group in 1975. The school became a successful business. It has a website computers and employees. The school organizes events year-round in Brazil and sometimes abroad. A sewing workshop helps cover parade costs.
The Rosas de Ouro’s rise continued. In 1983 it won its first championship with the enredo Nostalgia. It was the last samba written for the school by Zeca da Casa Verde. The samba evoked São Paulo from the early 20th century.
São Paulo is a favourite theme for the Rosas de Ouro. Parades have depicted the Law School the Avenida São João the diverse people of São Paulo and more. Even a futuristic view of the city a century later. For over 25 years the Rosas de Ouro has been a favourite of the middle class remaining high in the rankings.
Since 1995 the Rosas de Ouro runs social projects. ‘Samba se Aprende na Escola’ and ‘Rosas de Ouro do Amanhã’ help children. They keep children off the streets and into the quadra. The president proudly states there are no longer children begging at traffic lights in the neighbourhood. Baianas (women in the Baiana wing) organise events and competitions creating a social group for senior citizens.
More than a samba school the Rosas de Ouro is a symbol. A beacon of community pride innovation and social responsibility. Its vibrant history continues to enchant year after year. Its legacy will dance on.