In a surprising announcement following his inauguration, Rio de Janeiro's new mayor Eduardo Cavaliere declared an expansion of the number of samba schools participating in the carnival's Special Group from 12 to 15. This increase, he stated, is aimed at including more schools in the event, which is often considered the biggest carnival celebration in the world. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing the carnival experience, echoing a previously discussed initiative by the former mayor Eduardo Paes.

Cavaliere's statement has stirred a mix of excitement and apprehension among stakeholders. The announcement was met with surprise by the Independent League of Samba Schools (Liesa), which manages the parade organization. Leaders from Liesa have indicated that they were not consulted prior to this significant decision. This lack of communication raises concerns about logistical challenges and funding for the increased number of schools, as noted by Cavaliere in a subsequent statement regarding the need for additional resources to accommodate the changes.

The expansion of samba schools in Rio's carnival could have implications for the planning and execution of the event, including increased costs and potential changes in venue arrangements. The mayor's declaration reflects an enthusiasm for evolving the traditional carnival framework, but it also highlights the critical need for cooperation and dialogue among city officials and the carnival organizers to ensure a successful implementation of these changes for the upcoming celebrations.