Feb 19 • 20:58 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Understand what caused 'Piratão', the biggest champion of the Amapá carnival, to be relegated for the first time

The traditional Piratas da Batucada, the most successful school in Amapá's Carnival history, has been relegated for the first time after finishing last in the special group performances in 2026.

Piratas da Batucada, a beloved name in Amapá’s Carnival and record-holder for most titles, found itself in a historic position after finishing in 6th place, which led to its relegation to the access group for the 2027 festivities. The revelation came following the results announcement on Wednesday, where technical issues severely impacted the school's performance, particularly affecting categories like evolution and harmony, leaving them with the lowest score of 179.4. In the competitive atmosphere of the Carnival, every fraction of a point counts, and this was evident in the tight rankings.

This year’s parade theme, 'In the Frequency of Love, the Rhythm is Brega', was an homage to popular music, emphasizing its Amazonian and Caribbean roots. Despite this meaningful and culturally rich presentation, it fell short of the judges' expectations, illustrating how challenging the competition can be, even for historically successful teams. The feelings of disappointment are palpable among members and supporters, marking a significant cultural and emotional event for the community.

Piratão’s unexpected setback not only affects the school but also highlights the competitive landscape of Carnival in Amapá, as rival schools prepare to capitalize on this change in balance. Meanwhile, the school that emerged victorious in the access group, Império da Zona Norte, is set to benefit from this reshuffle, showcasing the ever-changing dynamics within this vibrant cultural celebration.

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