Leandro Vieira, the carnaval designer for the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school, showcased a special token from the legendary Brazilian singer Ney Matogrosso during the recent carnival parade. The ring, a relic from Ney's iconic show 'Bandido' in 1976, was given to Vieira as he sought a talisman to attach to his hat, embodying the spirit of inspiration as he paid tribute to the artist this carnival season. This act symbolizes a connection to the past and celebrates the enduring legacy of Matogrosso in Brazilian music and culture.

In addition to this meaningful gesture, Vieira recalled a previous instance from his time with the Mangueira samba school, where he received a similar gift from singer Maria Bethânia when honoring her in 2016. On that occasion, Bethânia provided him with a beaded necklace representing the orixá Iansã, which he also wore proudly during the parade. Such tokens not only serve as personal mementos but also highlight the strong ties between artists and the carnaval tradition, showcasing the communal spirit of celebration in Brazil.

As Vieira makes these personal connections through meaningful gifts, he expresses a belief in the power of such items to attract good fortune and blessings. He conveyed feelings of inspiration and presence from these artists during the parade, enhancing the festivities with a sense of history and reverence. The recognition of these contributions plays a crucial role in maintaining the cultural heritage of the carnaval, illustrating the importance of storytelling and shared experience in this vibrant event.