Juliana Baroni, an actress returning to the Rio Carnival after 12 years, will portray Marisa Letícia, the late former first lady of Brazil, in a parade dedicated to President Lula. Baroni first played the role in the film 'Lula, o Filho do Brasil' in 2009, where she studied Marisa’s life and understood the challenges she faced in her position. During a pre-parade interview, Baroni expressed her excitement about celebrating both Marisa's legacy and Brazilian cinema, which is currently in the spotlight due to competing for the Oscar with films reflecting on Brazil's military dictatorship.

As the parade approaches, Baroni emphasized the struggle Marisa Letícia endured, particularly in facing class prejudice from Brazil’s elite during her time as first lady. This perspective aims to shed light on the societal issues that Marisa confronted, making her portrayal not just an homage to a person, but also a commentary on class dynamics in Brazil. Baroni's connection to Marisa also reinforces the importance of recognizing the contributions of women in leadership roles.

Lula's presidency and its implications in contemporary Brazilian politics further contextualize this homage. Baroni noted that through Marisa's life and legacy, there are meaningful lessons about resilience and strength in the face of adversity, reflecting broader themes of class and gender dynamics in the nation’s history. The celebration of Marisa in this way serves as a reminder of her significant yet often overlooked role in Brazilian society during a tumultuous period.