Ciça expressed overwhelming emotion as he celebrated the victory of the Unidos do Viradouro during the 2026 Carnival, marking the school's fourth title. He emphasized that this triumph honored the samba culture he holds dearly and reflected the dedication of the team, stating, "This is the carnival of the sambista. Samba has won, the sambista has won!" In a moment of heartfelt gratitude, he acknowledged the fantastic samba they created and the emotional impact it had on the audience.

Ciça, who has dedicated 38 years to being a mestre de bateria, described the meticulous planning and execution that went into their performances, underlining that they practiced rigorously down to the smallest detail. He felt a sense of disbelief at being honored in his lifetime at such a prestigious event, which he described as akin to a dream. The commitment of the Viradouro school paid off as they achieved the perfect score across all performance criteria, culminating in 270 points in the valid scores during the judging process.

This victory not only underscores the significance of samba in Brazilian culture but also highlights the personal journey of the artists involved. Ciça's comments reflect a growing appreciation for the dedication of samba performers, as the competition celebrates not just technical precision but also heart and community spirit. The victory is expected to invigorate the samba community in Niterói and beyond, instilling pride and excitement for future celebrations.