The samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói debuted in Rio's Grupo Especial carnival on February 15, 2026, with a parade honoring President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The enredo recounts the PT leader's journey from childhood to presidency, including critiques of past political figures. Lula watched closely from the avenue, amid controversies over electoral propaganda.
Acadêmicos de Niterói, debuting in the Grupo Especial, opened the parades at Marquês de Sapucaí on February 15, 2026, with the enredo “From the top of the mulungu emerges hope: Lula, the worker of Brazil”. The samba-enredo, sung by Emerson Dias, features PT war cries like “Olê, olê, olê, olá, Lula, Lula” and mentions the party's ballot number, narrating Lula's life from 1952, referencing his mother Eurídice Ferreira de Mello and the family trip from Garanhuns to Guarujá.
The parade included 25 alas, five floats, and 3,100 members. Highlights were Dira Paes as Dona Lindu, Paulo Vieira as Lula, Juliana Baroni as Marisa Letícia, and Fafá de Belém on the last float, replacing First Lady Janja, who chose to stay in the box. The front commission enacted recent presidents, with Dilma Rousseff, Michel Temer, and Jair Bolsonaro as clown Bozo. One float depicted Bolsonaro as a jailed clown with an electronic anklet, and another critiqued Trump with a MAGA hat on Mickey. Mentions included Rubens Paiva and the film “Ainda Estou Aqui”.
Lula, dressed in white with a Panama hat, arrived with reinforced security and descended from the mayor's box, alongside Eduardo Paes, to watch closely, kissing the school's banner. He was joined by family, friends, Geraldo Alckmin, Lu Alckmin, and José Dirceu. Ministers did not parade on recommendation.
Globo's broadcast started 30 minutes late, focusing on general shots and avoiding political commentary, leading to accusations of “hiding” the parade and audio issues. Preliminary ratings were 11 points in Greater São Paulo. Opponents like Nikolas Ferreira, Sergio Moro, and Michelle Bolsonaro criticized it as anticipatory electoral propaganda using R$1 million in public funds for the school. The TSE rejected actions to halt the parade but warned of electoral risks.
One float stopped due to a technical issue, resolved with a ladder. In Sector 1, the crowd chanted “Olê, olê, olê, olá, Lula, Lula” without boos. Revelers in Brazil shirts turned their backs in protest. Earlier, Lula visited carnivals in Salvador and Recife.
