Playlist on Spotify with three songs and an audio clip about this location
Inspiration for Walt Disney
From the 1930s to the 1950s, this location served as Portela's headquarters, where instruments were stored, and meetings and gatherings of sambistas took place.
However, a special event forever marked this site, giving it international significance. In 1941, during World War II, the headquarters hosted an iconic meeting between Paulo da Portela, renowned sambistas like Cartola, and none other than Walt Disney. This visit was part of the Good Neighborhood Policy, an initiative by the United States to strengthen cultural and political ties with Latin America.
Image description: The image is a black-and-white poster. From left to right, the text is arranged vertically. At the top, in larger letters, it reads "UMA BATUCADA NA ESCOLA DE SAMBA DA PORTELA" (A samba jam at the Portela samba school). Below, in smaller letters, it says "Walt Disney entre a gente do morro" (Walt Disney among the hillside people).Walt Disney, accompanied by his lead animator, visited Oswaldo Cruz to experience firsthand one of Brazil’s greatest cultural expressions. He witnessed a special performance by Portela’s bateria (percussion section), sambistas, and pastoras (samba school chorus women). Even though Paulo da Portela had distanced himself from the school due to a disagreement, he made a point to return for this reception.
Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of a group of people gathered indoors, possibly in a bar. The image shows a crowd arranged in two main rows, with some individuals standing in the foreground and others sitting or standing behind them. On the left, two men are holding musical instruments, possibly drums, while other participants appear to be dancing or talking. In the center, several men dressed in suits and hats are engaged in social activities. On the right, women and men are positioned in various spots, some seemingly watching the central activity. The background is dark, suggesting the photo was taken in a place lit by artificial light.According to reports from the time, Walt Disney was captivated by the rhythm, creativity, and energy of samba, as well as the synchronization of the bateria's movements and dances - particularly those of Paulo, renowned as an exceptional dancer. This encounter is said to have inspired the creation of the character Zé Carioca, the character who represented Brazil in Disney's animations, including the film Saludos Amigos (1942). This episode highlights samba's pivotal role in spreading Brazilian culture globally.
After Portela moved its headquarters to a new address at 446 Estrada do Portela, now known as Portelinha, the former site became Bar do Nozinho. Founded by a devoted Portela member, the bar became a gathering place for the Portela community until the 1980s. Even today, it is fondly remembered as Bar do Nozinho, preserving its importance in samba history.
Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of two men wearing sailor uniforms. The figure on the left holds an object in his hands, while the figure on the right holds a piece of paper. Both are standing in front of a window with a circle in the center.
