The Unidos do Viradouro, the reigning champion of the Rio Carnival, has appointed Marcela Alves and Phelipe Lemos as their new first couple of master-sala and porta-bandeira. This will be the first time the pair will showcase their talents together in representing the school from Niterói. Their debut performance is scheduled for an upcoming special parade set to take place in the city center on Saturday, the 7th.

Phelipe Lemos joins Viradouro after four successful years with the Imperatriz Leopoldinense, while Marcela Alves transitions after a notable 12-year tenure with the Acadêmicos do Salgueiro. Both artists have achieved significant accolades throughout their careers, including the prestigious Estandarte de Ouro, which highlights their prominence in the samba community. Their selection is seen as a strong move for Viradouro as they aim to build on their recent success in the carnival scene.

Adding a personal dimension to their professional partnership, Marcela Alves is romantically linked to Marcelinho Calil, the executive director of Viradouro. They take over the roles previously held by Rute Alves and Julinho Nascimento, who have recently joined the União de Maricá, a school that has just entered the Special Group. The decision underlines Viradouro's commitment to evolving while maintaining the rich cultural tapestry of Brazilian samba.