Evelyn Bastos celebrated her 13th carnival with the Mangueira samba school, reflecting on the visibility of community leaders at the event. She remarked that it took several years for her to receive media recognition, emphasizing the challenges faced by individuals from less privileged backgrounds in gaining prominence. Bastos praised other samba schools like Beija Flor, Tuiuti, and Salgueiro for their recent acknowledgment of community contributions to carnival culture.

During her comments, Bastos articulated the significance of a queen as a representation of the school, stating that the figure embodies the message and spirit the samba school aims to communicate to the audience. This year, the Mangueira samba school is focusing on the story of Mestre Sacaca, referred to as the "Guardian of the Black Amazon," which reflects cultural themes of heritage and respect for the sacred in its parade.

Bastos also discussed the importance of respecting religious themes in carnival parades, particularly when the storyline is tied to sacred traditions. Her insights shed light on how carnival serves not only as entertainment but also as a medium for cultural expression and storytelling from the communities involved.