Bellinha Delfim Crowned Queen of Drums at Unidos do Viradouro

Unidos do Viradouro has a new queen leading its drumline. Bellinha Delfim — influencer, dancer, fashion designer, and former passista of the samba school — has officially been named the new "rainha de bateria" (queen of the drums) of the Niterói-based samba school, taking over the post previously held by actress Juliana Paes.

The Announcement

The news was revealed by the school's board on social media, with a reveal styled almost like a reality show, something the "red and white" fanbase had been eagerly anticipating. Ever since Juliana Paes stepped down she had led the drumline during the year the school won the Rio Special Group championship title Bellinha's name had been one of the frontrunners to inherit the crown, largely thanks to her history within the school itself.

Visibly emotional, Bellinha took to her own social media to thank everyone involved, highlighting the support of the community, the board, and the wider samba world that had backed her along the way.

A Journey Built Within the School

At 29 years old, Bellinha Delfim isn't arriving at the position as a newcomer. Her history with Viradouro dates back to 2019, when she debuted as a passista (featured dancer) for the school a period during which she was even awarded the Estandarte de Ouro, one of Brazilian Carnival's top honors. In 2022, she took the next step up, being promoted to muse of the school, cementing a standout presence at rehearsals and parades in the years since.

Outside of samba, she's also built a career as a professional dancer, with training in classical ballet, and was part of the dance cast of the "Batalha do Lip Sync" segment on Domingão com Huck, a variety show on Brazil's TV Globo network. Before dance, she was a track and field athlete — a background that helps explain the physical stamina the queen-of-drums role demands.

The Coronation

Following the official announcement, Viradouro held a coronation party at the school's headquarters in Niterói, which was packed with fans there to witness the moment. In front of the community and invited guests, Bellinha received her crown and gave an emotional speech, thanking everyone who showed up to share the moment with her.

What It Means for Carnival 2027

With the appointment, Bellinha officially takes command of the drummers led by mestre Ciça starting with Carnival 2027. The choice reinforces a pattern Viradouro has leaned into in recent years: rewarding talent that's already part of the school's internal history, rather than simply bringing in outside names purely for media appeal though Bellinha also brings serious digital-influencer reach of her own.

Expectations are now high that her debut leading the drumline will be one of the standout moments of the school's build-up toward the Marquês de Sapucaí parade, in a year when Viradouro will look to defend the title that put it at the top of Rio's Carnival.