founded in 1984, the independent league of samba schools of rio de janeiro (liga independente das escolas de samba do rio de janeiro - liesa) was born out of the desire of numerous samba schools of an efficient and comprehensive management of the carnival parades.

presidents of these associations, in particular ailton guimarães jorge of the united vila isabel and castor de andrade of the youth independent padre miguel, wished to form an organization which would offer an outlet to the critical parties and to allow the affiliated groups to remain united.

liesa wished to display to the government the need for a more interactive and progressive management of carnival, whereby the samba schools would play an active role.