LIESA has governed Rio de Janeiro’s Special Group samba-school competition since its founding in 1984.
LIESA is the abbreviation for Liga Independente das Escolas de Samba do Rio de Janeiro, translated as the Independent League of Samba Schools of Rio de Janeiro. It organizes and administers the city’s elite samba-school competition, including key competition rules and parade arrangements.
The league was created during a major period of institutional change in Rio Carnival. Its work is distinct from the municipal government’s tourism and event agencies, which help support the broader Carnival infrastructure but are not the independent league representing the Special Group schools.
LIESA should not be confused with a samba school, a bloc, or the Sambadrome itself. It is the governing league for the top competitive schools. Lower divisions and street Carnival organizations may be administered through different bodies.