Velha Guarda da Portela is a revered assembly of samba musicians associated with one of Rio de Janeiro's most storied and influential samba schools, Portela. Founded in the late 1920s, Portela has been a cornerstone of the samba tradition, embodying the cultural richness and spirit of the genre. The term "Velha Guarda" (which translates to "Old Guard") refers to the respected elder musicians of the samba school, who are the custodians of its history and traditional sound.

The Velha Guarda da Portela is known for its preservation and interpretation of the classical samba styles. It brings together some of the most iconic and senior matriarchs and patriarchs of the Portela samba school, many of whom have been involved with the institution since their youth. Their role transcends performance; they serve as living repositories of samba history, keeping alive the narratives and melodies that shaped the genre. Their body of work, including notable releases such as "Vai Mesmo," "Minha Vontade," and "Grandes Sambistas," captures the essence of the samba de raiz (roots samba), while albums like "Homenagem A Paulo Da Portela" pay tribute to the legendary figures that paved the way for samba's enduring legacy. With "Tudo Azul" and "Portela Passado de Glória," they celebrate the rich past and hopeful future of their beloved samba school, securing their indelible mark on Brazil's musical heritage.