Virginia Fonseca is the New Queen of Drums of the Grande Rio Samba School

Virginia Fonseca's Reign Begins: Grande Rio Welcomes New Drum Queen Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a surprising yet celebrated move, Brazilian influencer Virginia Fonseca has been named the new Queen of Drums for the renowned Grande Rio samba school. The announcement, made on May 22nd, 2025, has sent ripples of excitement through the Carnival community and beyond. Grande Rio president Jayder Soares, in an exclusive interview with LeoDias, expressed his enthusiasm for Fonseca's addition to the team, stating, "Virginia is beautiful, marvelous, and will put on a samba show." He emphasized that this appointment does not diminish the importance of Paolla Oliveira, who served as drum queen for seven years and remains a valued member of the school. Fonseca's massive social media following (54 million followers) is expected to significantly boost Grande Rio's visibility and attract a new generation of Carnival enthusiasts. Soares highlighted that this is a "gift to the Rio Carnival." The interview also touched upon Oliveira's continued involvement, with Soares explaining she is taking a temporary break due to personal matters but remains "the queen of our hearts." The event promises a vibrant and exciting Carnival season, blending established tradition with fresh, modern energy. The collaboration between Grande Rio and Fonseca signifies a dynamic shift in the samba school's approach to engagement and audience reach.