named after archduchess of austria and empress of brazil, maria leopoldina, and dressed in green and gold, the imperatriz leopoldinense samba school  does have an air of royalty.

founded in one of rio's northern suburbs, ramos, in 1956, the imperatriz leopoldinense prides itself on parades, which are both unique and luxurious.

imperatriz leopoldinense is also deeply involved in cultural activities - they proudly proclaim, that they were the first samba school to have a cultural department, which is still active today, with the purpose of assisting in the preparation of the plots and conducting educational activities amongst its members.