The Rio Carnival parades commenced with a tribute to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, featuring a massive metallic robot that represented his life journey from poverty to presidency. This event, carried out by the samba school Academicos de Niteroi, is set against the backdrop of upcoming elections where Lula is vying for a fourth term. The parade showcased various themes, including impoverished communities and the challenges surrounding access to electricity.

Many critics, particularly from the opposition, have denounced the parade as inappropriate, branding it as a thinly veiled attempt to campaign ahead of the October polls. The criticism highlights the sensitive nature of blending political expressions with cultural festivities, particularly when they involve a sitting president. Lula and his wife, Rosangela