Twenty years ago, Poços de Caldas made an impressive entrance into the Sapucaí carnival scene by becoming the samba theme for Beija-Flor, one of Brazil's largest samba schools. This event marked a significant moment for the city, highlighting its natural resources, particularly its waters, as a key asset. The theme celebrated the importance of water preservation, and the event provided a platform for tourism promotion, showcasing the municipality on an international stage.

The initiative was spearheaded by local council member Marcos Togni, who was the president of the City Council at the time. He pitched the idea to Beija-Flor's then-president, Farid Abraão David, who embraced the proposal to feature Poços de Caldas, linking it to a broader narrative of environmental conservation. The project received backing from the local government, including approval from the mayor, Sebastião Navarro, and they all hoped to leverage the samba parade to attract tourism to Poços de Caldas.

In the 2006 carnival, Beija-Flor's performance, which featured elements celebrating the city's waters, was a highlight, bringing significant attention to the town. The memories of Poços de Caldas strutting as a samba theme continue to resonate today, underscoring how cultural events can elevate a city's profile and emphasize important local themes like ecological preservation.