The Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) has formally notified the Portela samba school after they featured a giant drone carrying a performer at the iconic Marquês de Sapucaí during the Carnival parade on the morning of Monday, February 16. This eye-catching performance drew applause from the enthusiastic audience, who were thrilled by the sight of a dancer seemingly 'floating' above the parade. However, Anac's regulations explicitly prohibit such practices, raising concerns regarding safety protocols at large public events.

In addition to notifying Portela, Anac also reached out to the Independent League of Samba Schools (Liesa), which has not yet received formal communication regarding the incident. The samba league's reaction is significant as it indicates the ongoing discussions around safety regulations in the context of large-scale public festivities like Carnival. Meanwhile, a representative from Portela did not respond to media inquiries on the matter, leaving questions about how the school plans to address the regulatory breach.

Anac emphasizes that its regulations prohibit the transportation of people, animals, and hazardous materials by drone due to the potential risks involved, including fatal accidents. As such, the agency has requested details from Portela about the type of drone used, its serial number, and other relevant technical specifications. This incident highlights the tension between creative expressions in cultural events and the adherence to safety regulations, a balance that is crucial for the future conduct of similar performances.