the community is perhaps most famous for its illustrious samba school, formed in 1928 by Cartola and Carlos Cachaça. The Grêmio Recreativo Escola de Samba Estação Primeira de Mangueira is one of the more traditional and popular schools in the city, and was the first to introduce the idea of a master-of-ceremonies and flag bearer to the processions. The colors of the school are pink and green in honor of a ranch that existed in the neighborhood of Laranjeiras.

In the run-up to Carnival the samba school opens its doors to residents and visitors for rehearsals, which are vibrant cacophonies of music, dance and community spirit. On Friday nights there are also big Baile Funk nights held in the community, as Mangueira is one of the most celebrated regions for this prolific favela genre. Atop an old water station residents enjoy wonderful panoramic view of the city, including Sugar Loaf, Copacabana and Ipanema.