During the evaluation of the Special Group of the São Paulo carnival, judge Marcelo Candido surprised many by awarding the top score of 10 to all participating samba schools in the harmony category. This occurred on March 17 at the Anhembi Sambadrome, where several well-known samba schools competed for the title. The schools that received maximum scores included notable names such as Mocidade Unida da Mooca and Vai-Vai, among others. This decision is significant as the harmony category usually sees considerable variation in scores, making Candido's uniform scoring an exceptionally unusual occurrence.

Candido's decision drew a mixed reaction from samba school leaders and participants who often view the harmony category as a critical component that can make or break a school's chances at victory. The harmony assessment typically reflects the cohesion and synchrony of the performers during the parade, which can be subjective. This uniform scoring has prompted discussions about the criteria for judging and whether it devalues the competition or reflects an evolution in the appreciation of samba school performances.

The awardings during this carnival serve as a reminder of the passion and competitive spirit that drive the samba schools. With upcoming carnivals on the horizon, the debates surrounding the judging criteria could lead to changes in how these cultural events are evaluated. It invites further conversation about the subjective nature of judging in competitive artistic endeavors and how those evaluations shape both the participants' experience and the audience's enjoyment of the event.