Acadêmicos de Niterói to Open Rio’s 2026 Carnival With Lula Biography as Attendance Remains Uncertain

Overview

• The school, current Série Ouro champion, will make its Grupo Especial debut with an enredo about President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
• The theme, titled “Do alto do Mulungu surge a esperança: Lula, o operário do Brasil,” traces his path from Pernambuco to the presidency.
• Confirmation of Lula’s presence will come only on the day of the parade, with politicians expected and the guest list handled by the president.
• Carnavalesco Tiago Martins says the narrative will include political moments such as Lula’s metalworker years, the Workers’ Party and social programs.
• It will be the first time Lula is the subject of a Rio Grupo Especial parade, with weekly rehearsals underway to prepare singing and choreography.