In Rio de Janeiro Carnival, the dancer who carries a samba school’s flag is the porta-bandeira.
The porta-bandeira performs with the mestre-sala, the school’s principal escort and partner. Together, they present the school’s banner through precise steps, turns, gestures, and coordinated movement while ensuring that the flag remains visible and respected.
This pair is one of the most recognizable elements of a Brazilian samba-school parade. Judges assess qualities such as grace, harmony, precision, and the way the couple displays the school’s colors and emblem.
The term is Portuguese: porta-bandeira literally refers to the person who carries the banner. It should not be confused with the rainha de bateria, who leads or represents the percussion section.