On Sunday, February 15, a samba school parade in Rio de Janeiro's Sapucaí, organized by Acadêmicos de Niterói, honored President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with the theme "From the Heights of Mulungu comes hope: Lula, the worker of Brazil." This event faced pushback from lawmakers and political figures who opposed Lula, contending that the parade served as unauthorized electoral campaigning ahead of upcoming elections. They initiated more than ten legal actions in the days leading up to the carnival, attempting to block what they perceived as a misuse of public celebrations for political gain.

In a preemptive response, the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) rejected an injunction that sought to prohibit the parade but warned that actions taken during the event might breach electoral laws. This caution led the government to advise event organizers and local authorities to prevent any occurrences that could be interpreted as electoral propaganda. The controversy underscores the political tensions surrounding Lula's presidency and the use of cultural events for political expression, particularly in a charged electoral atmosphere.

Despite the potential for protests and political backlash, the parade went ahead, showcasing the complexities of Brazilian public life where culture, governance, and politics intertwine. Notably, the First Lady Janja da Silva was initially expected to participate actively in the procession but instead chose to remain in a VIP box alongside Lula, highlighting the personal and public dimensions of their political engagement amidst ongoing criticisms from opposition parties.