A judge at São Paulo's carnival, João Batista Cruz, only failed to award a perfect score of 10 to four schools in the harmony category, generating viral attention due to his intense focus during the evaluation.
João Batista Cruz, a judge for the São Paulo carnival, has garnered significant online attention after it was revealed that he only gave a score of 10 to four out of the many participating samba schools in the harmony category. The schools that did not receive the maximum score included Colorado do Brás, Império de Casa Verde, Mocidade Alegre, and Camisa Verde e Branco. His judgment and the limited number of high scores raised eyebrows among carnival enthusiasts and sparked discussions about the criteria used for scoring.
In a moment that caught the public's eye, Cruz was filmed leaning out of the judging booth while intensely observing the performances, leading to humorous comparisons of his appearance to that of Brazilian singer Fiuk. The video, which showcased Cruz's unwavering focus and near-blinking stare, went viral on social media platforms, earning him the nickname "Fiuk da Harmonia" from amused viewers. This sort of light-hearted nickname reflects the carnival's spirit of fun and engagement among fans and participants alike.
The incident highlights the interactive nature of modern carnival events, where judging and performance assessments can take on a life of their own through social media. As videos and memes circulate, they contribute to the festival's culture, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. The fact that a judge's serious work can lead to such light-hearted online banter demonstrates how deeply the carnival is woven into Brazil's cultural fabric, where even the most serious moments can become fodder for humor and connection.
