carnavalescos

Carnavalescos is the plural form of carnavalesco, a term used in Brazilian Carnival to denote the designer responsible for the artistic concept and overall visual narrative of a samba school's parade. The role is most closely associated with the parades in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, though it is present in other carnival celebrations in Brazil. The term comes from the Portuguese word carnaval and the suffix -esco indicating a profession or field.

Typical duties include selecting and developing the enredo (the parade theme), creating sketches and models for floats (alegorias) and costumes, and coordinating the work of artisans, carpenters, painters, and textile designers. The carnavalesco leads the creative team, aligns the design with the music and tempo of the samba, and ensures that all elements tell a cohesive story during the parade. The role often involves negotiation with the school's board, sponsors, and builders.

Historically, the position emerged as samba schools formalized their artistic direction in the early to mid-20th century. Over time, carnavalescos became central figures in shaping the aesthetics and innovation of carnival parades, with some gaining national or international recognition for large-scale, visually striking productions.

In contemporary carnival culture, several carnavalescos may work with a single school, or a single carnavalesco may coordinate a team across multiple schools, reflecting differences in tradition and budget. The work is deeply intertwined with the cultural and commercial dimensions of carnival and contributes to the symbolic narratives and spectacle that define the event.