adding to this important element, is the fact that this samba school was for many years known as the unchallenged champion of the carnival festivities.

although portela's reputation still echoes today, the group has gone through some rougher times, and many fans question when will the victory streaks return.

portela's origins can be traced all the way back to the 1920s, when it took part in the very first unofficial competition among samba schools in rio de janeiro's carnival celebrations - back then the group's aspirations were rather humble, but that quickly changed.