Samba schools emerged in Rio de Janeiro, but carnival was brought to Brazil by the Portuguese at the time of colonization.
In the parades, various traditional elements are presented, such as the wing of the baianas, the old guard, the drums, floats, flag bearer and master of the hall, among others.
The pair of flag bearers and masters are dressed in costumes that represent the nobility of the 18th century, but with the exaggeration of the decorations.
Historically speaking, the couple emerged during the colonization period, when the Portuguese court performed the Shrovetide in large houses, the headquarters of the farms.
Records show that during the games held at the Shrovetide, a couple of slaves, delighted with the party, started to follow the movement walking behind the celebration, observing it from afar.
Couples danced elegantly in evening clothes, which caught the attention of the slaves who watched them.
Over the years, blacks adopted Shrovetide as a party and, during it, the couple imitated their lords, the barons and baronesses, as a reason for mockery. The game pleased everyone, becoming a tradition of the party, later being baptized as Porta-Bandeira and Mestre-Sala.
During the parades of the samba schools, the couples from Porta-Bandeira and Mestre-Sala make a special presentation to the judges, aiming to reach the maximum score.
The assessment is made according to the performance of the couple, who must dance gently to the rhythm of the samba, performing the steps considered mandatory, such as wiggles, turns, half-turns, bows and turns. In addition to these, the couple is evaluated by the harmony between them, the integration of steps, the procession of the man, the protection and courtesy that you give to your lady and to the flag of the association - which represents the entire pavilion of the school of samba.
The evaluation also includes the presentation of the flag bearer, who must carry the school's banner without let him curl up or hit his own body, lightly, jokingly and responding to the courtships of the master room.
The couple's clothes should be in the school's colors, but also suitable for the presentation, with well-made finishes and extremely luxurious. They must also be suitable for the presentation, not hindering the couple's movements.
Penalties or loss of points are at the discretion of the presentation made, where the couple cannot keep their backs to each other, in the same moment, drop or lose any element of the composition of their clothes and props (hats, shoes, splendor, flag), even if accidentally.
In addition to the first couple of flag bearers and masters, there are other couples who present themselves in the parades with the same function. They serve to train other members of the school, in case there is something unforeseen, in addition to ensuring the preparation of future generations, ensuring the beauty and quality of the presentation.
Many of them also cover the agendas of the first couple, when they are requested at parties and presentations inside or outside the country, scheduled on the same date.
By Jussara de Barros
Graduated in Pedagogy
Brazil School Team
Carnival - Brazil School
Source: Brazil School - https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/carnaval/porta-bandeira.htm