In this article we will describe a particularly characteristic element within the Brazilian Carnival party: the Mestre-Sala translated from Portuguese to Samba-Host. Next, you will understand why this iconic element can symbolize the essence and honor of the culture of the Carnival parade in Brazil. This figure represents the highest distinction for people who dedicate their career to the Samba Schools. Let us see below some of the most important attributions and characteristics of Mestre Sala.

The Mestre Sala / Samba Host has a fundamental presence within the Brazilian parades, and without them, the party simply would not be complete or exist. His main artistic function during the parade while he is courting his fellow flag-bearer is to protect the Porta-bandeira (Flag Bearer) and the banner of the samba school. Symbolically, the Mestre-Sala carries a handkerchief or fan. Carnival historians note that in the past, samba hosts carried razors and small knives that were hidden inside the fans/scarves and were easily used if someone tried to steal the samba school banner.

The second distinctive attribution of the Mestre-sala is to draw everyone’s attention to his protégé and to ensure that the banner/flag of the samba school is clearly seen by the judges and the carnival media. His mission is completed when the Porta-Bandeira Flag Bearer is positively evaluated and the flag of the samba school is highlighted. Unlike other samba dancers, his choreography is refined and delicate, resembling court dances in the aristocratic palaces of France. Like the Abanderador, the choreography of Mestre Sala is particularly elegant. The samba host costume also resembles the fancy clothing worn at mid-18th century European carnivals and salons, sometimes including a wig.

The Mestre – Sala / Flag Bearer seen in parades in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo has a history of at least 15 to 20 years of samba dance practices and performances. As soon as they are identified by the directors of the samba schools as talented dancers, they receive special attention and are specifically trained for these roles. Some of them get their first chance to join an official parade at the age of 15 or 16, as “third” or “second” samba hosts. Truly talented samba dancers can become the official number “1” samba hosts before they are 25 years old, on average. If they reach this contested position, they will naturally gain glory, high social status within the Carnival community, and top salaries.

Now let’s take a look at other interesting details of the Samba Host position:

* The performance of Samba Host is officially evaluated in the Rio Carnival contest by a criteria called “Porta Bandeira e Mestre Sala”. It is so important that it is used as a tiebreaker.

* Today, due to the professionalization of the Brazilian Carnival, we can find specific teachings for this type of choreography (Samba-host & Porta-Bandeira routines). At samba academies, they can improve their dance routines, artistic skills, and even acting skills.

* In a large parade of samba schools, you can have up to 3 Mestre-Sala / Porta-Bandeira couples per school. The official judges of the carnival, naturally, only rate the best couple and logically the most qualified in the school, appropriately called the “first couple”.

* The second and even the third couple also play an important role during the official contest. They are the future generations of these specific functions and take advantage of official events to gain experience, charisma, finesse so that hopefully one day they can become the “number 1 couple”.

* Nowadays, the contracts of these professionals have increased significantly in terms of pay, as samba schools will always try to have the best Samba Hosts, to make sure they get the perfect score for this contest criteria.

* The Mestre Sala / Samba Host costume can also cost up to US$15,000.00

* Some of the best samba hosts are in contention to be hired by samba schools.