Saturnino Gonçalves

Origin

Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Years active

1928–1935

Genres

samba

Biography

Saturnino Gonçalves, known as "Satú", was a seminal figure in the history of Rio's carnival, being one of the founders and the first president of G.R.E.S. Estação Primeira de Mangueira. Born in the Estácio neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, on August 11, 1897, he moved to Morro da Mangueira, where he became a community leader and one of the pillars in the organization of samba.

His journey in carnival began with his participation in the Bloco dos Arengueiros, a group known for its irreverence and energy. From this block emerged the Bloco Estação Primeira, which on April 28, 1928, officially founded Estação Primeira de Mangueira. Saturnino Gonçalves was elected the first president of the association, leading it in its early years and contributing to the consolidation of its foundations.

In addition to his role as founder and president, Saturnino Gonçalves was a composer and political organizer, known for his intelligence and communication skills, which earned him the nickname "Voz do Morro" (Voice of the Hill). He also played an important role in the foundation of the União Geral das Escolas de Samba (UGES) in 1934, acting as vice-president. His dedication to samba and the Mangueira community made him a legend, and his legacy endures through his daughter, Dona Neuma, and the samba school itself that he helped build. He passed away on April 29, 1935, a victim of tuberculosis.