São Paulo - The Samba School, Mocidade Alegre, is the 450th anniversary Carnival champion in São Paulo. The school got a perfect score for its presentation. This is the fifth time it has won the title. Last year Mocidade was second. Its last title was in 1980.

The theme of the Mocidade Alegre parade was how São Paulo has been built by waves of immigrants. The school got a standing ovation during its presentation.

Last year's champion, Gaviões da Fiel, had some bad luck when one of its floats veered out of control. Five people were injured in the accident and the school lost eight minuntes in its presentation. Gaviões da Fiel was relegated and will parade in a lower division next year.

Traditionally, the top schools parade again on Friday in the champion's presentation. (AB)