(Newton Dias transformed his love of music into a legacy through Reduto do Samba / Photo: Disclosure)
Created by Newton Dias, the bloco earned a place in Salvador’s Carnival and continues samba for future generations.
Newton Dias was born in the heart of Tororó, Salvador. His childhood was marked by joy, community life, and a variety of cultural expressions.
“Our childhood in Tororó was marked by good times and great joy. Besides enjoying samba, we had other activities like soccer and capoeira, and we built great friendships that remain to this day,” he recalls.
Since childhood, Newton has spent time with names that have shaped the history of Bahian samba, such as Ederaldo Gentil, Nelson Rufino, Salvador Oliveira, Bira Gentil, and Paulinho do Reco.
“Samba was born with me. As a child, I never missed a rehearsal of the Filhos do Tororó Samba School, which had its rehearsal space in the back of our house,” he says proudly.
The Birth of a Giant: Reduto do Samba
Founded by Newton and a group of friends—among them Marcus Vinícius, Antônio Belmiro, Jorge Lima, and Adalto Castro—Reduto do Samba emerged to keep the neighborhood’s Carnival tradition alive.
“Its creation was the initiative of a group of friends who wanted the Tororó Carnival to continue,” he explains.
The bloco’s debut was grand: in its very first parade, Reduto brought Arlindo Cruz to the avenue, thrilling the audience.
“Reduto do Samba is like a baby elephant: it was born big. The biggest challenge was getting the bloco onto the avenue. And in the first parade, we concluded with applause from the audience and the satisfaction of our samba dancers,” he recalls emotionally.
(Reduto do Samba became one of the most reviled carnival groups in Salvador / Photo: Disclosure)
Recognition and Notable Achievements
Over the years, Reduto do Samba has established itself as one of the most respected blocos in Salvador’s Carnival.
“Every year is a new challenge and a new achievement,” says Newton.
Among the most memorable moments is being chosen by the local press, for three consecutive years, as the best samba group of Carnival, receiving the prestigious Castro Alves Trophy.
(The 2026 edition will feature Escandurras among the attractions)
Legacy and Future: Samba as Oxygen
For Newton, samba is more than music: it’s a life mission.
“Samba cannot die. It’s our role to bring samba to the next generation, with great artists, music, and events. Samba is part of the DNA of Brazilians,” he says.
“Our dream is to keep Reduto alive for many generations. Samba is the oxygen that, along with my family, keeps me alive and happy,” he adds.
And he’s already anticipating new developments: in 2026, Reduto do Samba will bring the phenomenon Escandurras to the avenue, an attraction that promises to be one of the highlights of Salvador’s Carnival.
“It will certainly be the biggest attraction at Salvador Carnival. A haven of samba: the best Friday on the planet,” Newton celebrates.