Tarcísio de Freitas, the Governor of São Paulo, recently celebrated the relegation of the samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói, which had paid tribute to President Lula. In a press conference, Freitas described their carnival parade as 'horrible' and of 'poor taste.' He expressed his opinion that the samba school's theme, which he perceived as divisive and disrespectful to families, did not resonate positively with the public.

Freitas articulated his feelings about the samba school's approach during the carnival, criticizing it for attacking certain demographics, particularly evangelical families. His comments reflect a broader political sentiment, as the samba school's homage to Lula, a figure with polarizing support in Brazil, was viewed unfavorably by parts of the public. The Governor's remarks also hint at the ongoing tensions in Brazilian politics, particularly between progressive and conservative factions, as cultural expressions like carnival parades can become sites of political contestation.

This incident underscores the intersection of culture and politics in Brazil, where events like Carnaval take on additional significance beyond entertainment. As samba schools prepare for these events, the themes chosen often reflect current social issues and political debates, making them a focal point for public opinion and government response. Tarcísio's comments not only signify his stance in the political landscape but also contribute to the larger narrative of cultural identity in Brazilian society.