Viviane Araújo has kicked off the Carnival 2026 season with remarkable flair by being crowned champion of the Special Group of samba schools in Santos, São Paulo. As the queen of drums, she has expressed her commitment to bringing joy and enthusiasm not just to Santos but also to the more prominent Carnival celebrations in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In her recent interview, she emphasized her dedication to representing the samba schools with respect and excitement, highlighting the collaborative nature of the festival.

At 50 years old, Araújo won her title with the União Imperial samba school and made an impression by walking alongside Sheila Mello, a renowned Brazilian dancer and former 'Loira do Tchan.' This year marks a significant opportunity for Araújo as she plans to take her talents to the iconic Sambódromo do Anhembi, where she will lead the bateria of the Mancha Verde samba school in an upcoming performance scheduled to begin at midnight on the following Monday.

The significance of Araújo's participation in these major events not only showcases her longstanding popularity and talent in Brazilian culture but also indicates her role in fostering community spirit within the Carnaval festivities. Her promise to honor the trust bestowed upon her by the communities underscores the deeper social connections that the Carnival represents, making her presence a critical component of the celebrations in both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.