On Sunday, February 15, the samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói kicked off the Carnival parades in Rio de Janeiro's elite Special Group, presenting a theme dedicated to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This debut at the Marquês de Sapucaí, the city's famous sambódromo, was marked by a mixed reception as the homage to the president sparked debates about its appropriateness, particularly given the geopolitical context ahead of Brazil's 2026 presidential election, where Lula is expected to run for re-election.

The parade featured the theme "Do alto do mulungu surge a esperança: Lula, o operário do Brasil" (From the top of the mulungu, hope rises: Lula, the worker of Brazil), which highlighted Lula's journey as a political figure. The atmosphere was charged, with a chorus of supporters chanting "olê, olê, olá, Lula! Lula!" in the grandstands, most notably in Sector 1, known for its enthusiastic crowd. Supporters waved banners bearing Lula's image and name, showcasing the president's popularity among certain segments of the public.

Despite the celebratory nature of the event, the political implications of this tribute raised eyebrows among critics who argue that such displays could influence the electoral process. Lula's appearance at the sambódromo, where he waved to the crowd from a VIP box, further fueled discussions about the fine line between cultural celebrations and political endorsements in Brazil's dynamic political landscape as the country heads toward another electoral cycle.