GRES Unidos da Ponte

Hidden within the vibrant tapestry of Rio de Janeiro’s samba scene lies GRES Unidos da Ponte. This samba school, a beacon of community and tradition, pulses with the heart of São João de Meriti. GRES Unidos da Ponte’s story began on November 3, 1952. Founded by the Macário and Oliveira families, its roots are deeply intertwined with the local community. The school’s first parades took place in São João de Meriti in 1954, 1955, and 1956, winning all three. In 1957, under the leadership of Carmelita Brasil, the first woman to lead a samba school, GRES Unidos da Ponte officially joined the ranks of Rio’s samba elite. Carmelita’s influence shaped the school’s creative spirit. She penned the enredos and sambas-enredo from 1959 to 1964, laying the foundation for the school’s vibrant artistic identity. GRES Unidos da Ponte first reached the Grupo Especial, the top tier of Rio’s samba competition, in 1983. While they experienced relegations and triumphs over the years, their presence in the samba world remained constant. The school has moved its rehearsal spaces several times. It held rehearsals in downtown São João and in Rio’s Pavuna neighborhood. Its original home was in São Mateus. In 2014, they returned to this original neighborhood and reinaugurated their quadra, housed in the former São Mateus train station. This building had been out of use since 1993. The revival of this space signifies GRES Unidos da Ponte’s enduring connection to its community. One of the school’s most remarkable achievements occurred in 1995, with their tribute to the state of Paraná. Their depiction of indigenous people and immigrants, alongside their captivating bateria dressed as tropeiros, earned them the prestigious Estandarte de Ouro award for best bateria. GRES Unidos da Ponte has faced setbacks, including a double relegation in 1999. Yet they’ve always bounced back, driven by the unwavering passion of their members. From re-enacting past enredos to celebrating local icons like America Football Club, GRES Unidos da Ponte’s themes reflect their history and community ties. In 2018, the school tasted victory once more, winning the Série B championship. This win propelled them back to the Marquês de Sapucaí, Rio’s samba stadium, after a 12-year absence. Even a devastating fire in 2025, which destroyed their costumes just weeks before Carnaval, could not extinguish their spirit. Declared hors concours that year, GRES Unidos da Ponte embodies the resilience and vibrancy of the samba community. Their story continues, woven into the rich tapestry of Rio’s Carnaval.