Estação Primeira de Mangueira: from the Block of Herrings to the Samba School

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the evolution of Estação Primeira de Mangueira, from Bloco dos Arengueiros to its consolidation as a samba school, with the aim of understanding the transformations and cultural impact of this institution on the Brazilian carnival scene. Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. The theory of popular culture, the sociology of samba and studies on the history of samba schools in Brazil stand out, providing a solid basis for understanding the context of the investigation. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a bibliographic study. The approach included the analysis of secondary sources such as books, academic articles, historical documents and audiovisual records. Data collection was carried out through literary and documentary review, seeking detailed information about the trajectory of Mangueira and its cultural impact. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that Mangueira has undergone significant organizational and artistic changes over the years, remaining faithful to its roots and playing a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of samba and Afro-Brazilian culture. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the cultural and social implications of the evolution of the samba school. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of popular culture and samba. These implications may include cultural preservation, the appreciation of intangible heritage and the promotion of Afro-Brazilian identity. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by offering a detailed and contextualized analysis of the transformation of Mangueira, from its origins to its current status as one of the most influential samba schools. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its ability to highlight the historical and cultural importance of Mangueira, as well as its role in promoting samba and Brazilian cultural identity.