BAR DO NOZINHO

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.

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.

Reports from the time state that 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 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.