Viradouro Takes 2026 Rio Carnival Title by a Tenth as Niterói Is Relegated After Lula Tribute

Overview

• Liesa’s official tally gave Viradouro 270 points, one tenth ahead of Beija-Flor and Vila Isabel, with the runner-up decided on tie-break criteria after a technically lauded tribute to Mestre Ciça.
• Acadêmicos de Niterói finished with 264.6 points and was relegated to Série Ouro in 2027 after low marks in fantasies, allegories and enredo, receiving 10s from only two samba‑enredo jurors.
• Brazil’s electoral court had unanimously rejected efforts to block Niterói’s homage before the parade as prior censorship, while signaling that penalties would apply only if electoral rules were later found to be violated.
• Reactions sharpened as São Paulo governor Tarcísio de Freitas celebrated the rebaixamento and denounced the parade’s content, while First Lady Janja publicly defended the school and opposition figures attacked it online.
• International outlets including the BBC, France24, EFE and AFP highlighted the controversy, and the Champions’ Parade remains scheduled for Saturday with the top six schools returning to Sapucaí.