The Archdiocese of São Sebastião do Rio de Janeiro has expressed its discontent regarding the representation of Christian and family symbols in cultural events, specifically targeting a recent samba parade by Acadêmicos de Niterói. The archdiocese's statement, released on Tuesday, emphasizes the importance of family and religion without explicitly naming the samba school. However, it has been widely interpreted as a reaction to the parade, which featured acts that criticized neoconservatism, depicted through costumes resembling cans and traditional family structures.

During the parade held on Sunday, the Acadêmicos de Niterói used their presentation to critique what they label as neoconservative movements in society. The performers portrayed traditional family imagery, consisting of a man, woman, and children, to illustrate their commentary on modern social issues and the rigidity of family structures promoted by some neoconservative groups. This approach sparked controversy, leading to the Archdiocese's public rebuttal of the depiction, asserting that it undermines the sacredness of family and religious beliefs.

The conflict highlights the ongoing cultural debates in Brazil regarding the representation of family, religion, and social norms in public spheres, particularly during significant events like Carnival. As samba schools often use their performances to challenge prevailing ideologies, this incident underscores the tensions between artistic expression and traditional values, reflecting broader societal divisions.