São Paulo officially launched its Carnival celebrations on Friday night, where premier samba schools showcased vibrant parades at the Anhembi Sambadrome. The event emphasized cultural pride and included feminist themes, with the first school to perform, Mocidade Unida da Mooca, paying tribute to the Instituto Geledés, which focuses on combating racism and promoting Black women's empowerment. Singer Sté Oliveira remarked on the importance of Carnival as a celebration of authentic Black culture.

The parade continued with Colorado do Brás, which captivated audiences with a mystical 'Friday the 13th' theme and featured witches as representations of women's resistance. Actress Fabi Bang, known for her role in Wicked, described participating as a rare privilege due to the emotional depth of samba. This blending of creativity and cultural commentary illustrates the progressive direction of the Carnival celebrations, merging entertainment with significant social themes.

In total, fourteen samba schools are competing in diverse categories, including percussion and float design, with the ultimate goal of being crowned the 2026 Carnival champion of São Paulo. This competition not only celebrates artistic expression but also has deeper implications regarding cultural identity and resilience, setting the stage for a vibrant and meaningful Carnival season ahead.