Influencer Virginia Fonseca announced her return to rehearsals with the Grande Rio samba school in Rio de Janeiro after a month of absences as battery queen. The absence drew criticism from the community, which demands greater participation from her. There are 36 days left until the official parade at Marquês de Sapucaí.
Virginia Fonseca, who took on the role of battery queen for Grande Rio in September 2025, was absent from rehearsals for over a month, causing dissatisfaction among the samba school's members. According to reports, she participated in seven rehearsals since assuming the position, with the last attendance on December 9, 2025. However, one source mentions December 7 as the date of her last presence, indicating a possible variation in records.
During this period, Grande Rio held four rehearsals without the influencer, three already in 2026. The most recent absence was at the street rehearsal in Duque de Caxias on January 11, when Virginia was in Dubai and faced travel mishaps to return to Rio. The agremiação's community expressed frustration, urging her to get more involved in the preparatory events for the Rio Carnival.
Virginia’s absences were attributed to a packed schedule, including five trips to Europe to meet her boyfriend, Real Madrid player Vini Jr., as well as SBT recordings in São Paulo, Christmas celebrations with family in Goiânia, time in Bahia with friends, and New Year's Eve in Madrid. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, she shared on social media: “Alô, Grande Rio! Tô chegando”, signaling her return and intent to make up for lost time.
With only 36 days until the official parade at Marquês de Sapucaí, the battery queen's presence is seen as crucial for the school's momentum. Grande Rio, renowned for its tradition in Rio's Carnival, is responding to criticisms from fans and carnival enthusiasts, who emphasize the importance of collective dedication.
