The Champions Parade, part of the Rio Carnival 2026, took place on Saturday night and featured the six highest-ranking samba schools from the Special Group. This year's event was distinguished not only by the vibrant performances of the schools but also by a backdrop of criticisms aimed at the judges who determined the rankings of the schools during the main carnival events. Notably, the order of performance was reversed from their final standings, with the sixth-placed Estação Primeira de Mangueira opening the festivities and the champions, Unidos do Viradouro, concluding the night.

The Mangueira school, which performed first despite their lower ranking, delivered a powerful message of cultural heritage through their performance, showcasing support for their lead dancers with a symbolic banner. The parade took place amidst light rain, following a heavy rainstorm earlier in the day that had hit Rio de Janeiro. The school's presentation included elements of its ancestral dance traditions, adding depth and meaning to its performance as it sought to connect with the community and celebrate its roots.

Despite the enthusiasm at the parade, there was palpable tension in the air due to dissatisfaction with the judges' scores throughout the carnival. Specifically, Mangueira's performance faced a minor penalty, losing points in specific judging categories, which further fueled debates about fairness and transparency in the judging process. The event underscored ongoing conversations regarding artistic expression and the subjective nature of scoring in competitive settings, as fans and participants alike raised their voices against perceived injustices.