Velha Guarda Da Mangueira

The Velha Guarda da Mangueira was formed in 1956 by Cartola, Carlos Cachaça, and Aluísio Dias as a tribute to the traditional samba school. With irregular formations and no stable rehearsal schedule, the group just showed up for eventual performances during the decades, playing sambas of the composers of Mangueira. In 1988, the Velha Guarda had 23 composers, musicians, and puxadores (the main singers) along with Delegado (Mestre-Sala), Mocinha (Porta-Bandeira), and Tia Irene (the oldest passista -- samba dancer -- in the shantytown). When the violonista (guitar player) Josimar...