Rio de Janeiro samba schools faced penalties for irregularities during the Carnival parades, although no points were deducted from their scores.
During the first day of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival parades, samba schools Acadêmicos de Niterói and Portela were fined for irregularities related to dispersal procedures. Despite the penalties, neither school lost points in the competition. This event marks a significant moment in the Carnival, where adherence to rules is closely monitored, reflecting the organizational challenges faced by schools during one of the largest festivals in Brazil.
Additionally, other participating schools, including Beija-flor, Viradouro, Tuiti, Salgueiro, and Vila Isabel, also faced penalties for allowing too many members to wear their official jerseys on the parade routes. The enforcement of rules regarding attire is critical for maintaining a level playing field during the competition, highlighting the importance of regulation even amid the festive atmosphere of Carnival.
The legal team of Liesa, the organization that oversees the competition, is currently reviewing an appeal from Imperatriz Leopoldinense, which felt disadvantaged due to issues with dispersal from the previous school, Acadêmicos de Niterói. This situation underscores the complexities involved in organizing such a large-scale event, where even minor infractions can lead to disputes and potential ramifications for the participating schools.
