President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil plans to kick off his Carnival tour on Friday, February 13, visiting three major cities: Recife, Salvador, and Rio de Janeiro. This tour will commence in Recife, where he will take part in the renowned Galo da Madrugada festival, noted for its vibrant celebrations and themes. This year, the parade will prominently feature environmental awareness through the theme 'Frevo no Planeta Galo', celebrating Brazilian flora and fauna, indicating a potential alignment with Lula's political focus on environmental issues.

Following his participation in Recife, Lula will head to Salvador for the Trio da Cultura's parade led by Minister Margareth Menezes, further showcasing the government's commitment to cultural festivities. This event promises to be a high-profile occasion, with notable performances by prominent Brazilian artists. The festival reflects not just a celebration of music and culture, but also serves as a platform for the government to engage with the public in a festive atmosphere, which some critics argue blurs the lines between governance and campaigning.

The opposition parties in Brazil are already criticizing Lula's Carnival tour, suggesting that it represents an early start to his campaign efforts for the next election. They argue that utilizing public festivals for political gain undermines the spirit of the Carnival and raises concerns about the integration of culture and politics. As Lula navigates this Carnival season, it remains to be seen how these events will influence public perception and the political landscape moving forward.