The 2026 Carnival samba school parade in Joaçaba saw Vale Samba crowned the champion, impressing both judges and the public with their performance. The theme of their presentation, 'Vale a pena amar' (It’s Worth Loving), wove together various stories and mythologies surrounding love, from the tragic romance of Orpheus and Eurydice to the youthful love of Hercules and Hebe. This artistic display emphasized that love, in all its forms, is the driving force behind life.

Vale Samba's victory was marked by a score of 159.1, surpassing its closest competitors, Unidos do Herval and Acadêmicos do Grande Vale, who both scored 158.8. This win solidifies Vale Samba's reputation as the most successful and oldest samba school in Joaçaba, with a history that includes participation in 45 carnivals since its inception, only missing the events in 2017 and 2018.

As the reigning champions of the Joaçaba Carnival, Vale Samba continues to maintain a strong cultural presence, demonstrating traditional samba and enriching the local community through performance art. Their enchanting theme not only entertained but also resonated with the audience by showcasing the universal and transformative nature of love, which remains a central theme in Brazilian Carnival festivities.