Leaders from the Brazilian Workers' Party (PT) are expressing concerns over the potential underperformance of the Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school in the highly anticipated Rio de Janeiro carnival parade. Their main fear is that a disappointing performance could lead to the school being relegated, which would attract memes and unfairly tarnish President Lula's reputation as 'unlucky' just months before the elections. This situation has become a focal concern amid the rising scrutiny of Lula as the parade approaches.

The Acadêmicos de Niterói samba school, which celebrated its promotion to the elite league of samba last year, historically faces challenges in maintaining its status. Data indicates that 14 out of the last 20 schools that ascended to the elite of the carnival ended up facing relegation in the following year. Given this trend, PT members are particularly anxious about the implications a potential relegation would have for Lula, as the narrative could damage his political image during a sensitive electoral season.

In light of these worries, a leading PT official expressed that while Lula cannot be blamed for the choice of theme made by the Acadêmicos de Niterói, there are expectations for him to distance himself from the school’s fate. Lula is expected to watch the parade from a luxury box at the Marquês de Sapucaí, meanwhile, his wife Janja and other PT members are slated to participate in the parade. The tension surrounding this event underscores the intersection of cultural celebrations and political narratives in Brazil, raising questions about the role of party symbolism in public festivities.