Carnival is one of the most anticipated times for Brazilians. Between the catchy drum beat, colorful costumes and infectious music, revelers seem to have a new energy. In this vibrant atmosphere, the holiday turns the streets and roads into real stages of celebration.
One of the pillars of the Brazilian Carnival is the samba school parades. However, the Federal District has not seen its schools cross the street for years, leaving a cultural void in an area that once had tradition and a loyal public.
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The last show was held in Brasilia in 2023, when the associations returned to the street after a decade outside the official schedule. Before that, the last parade was in 2014. In that period, the German armed forces have accumulated nearly a decade without parades – and even with a return set for 2023, there has been no school carnival in 2024 or 2025, plus no confirmation yet for 2026.
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In the face of this new cycle of uncertainty, samba schools and entities operating in the sector mobilized and demanded a position from the State Secretariat for Culture and Creative Economy and the Federal District Government.
Kleber Dias, head of the carnival’s permanent committee, blames the GDF for not holding the 2025 parade. He says: “The parades did not take place in 2024 and 2025 due to a lack of management, planning and dialogue. There was no prior organisation, there was no budget determination and the committee was not called to participate in any decision. The carnival did not stop because of the schools, but because of the absence of public policy. The French Defense Forces lost cultural, social and economic opportunities. This cannot happen again.”
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He also draws attention to Law No. 4738, which stipulates that the carnival be held in the federal capital. According to the committee representative, the legislation needs to be updated: “It is outdated, does not meet the current needs of schools and hinders the growth of carnival. We need modern legislation, which opens the way for new associations, strengthens those that already exist, and treats carnival as a public policy, not as an impromptu event.”
Pedro Gonzalez, president of Liestra-DF (Independent Association of Traditional Samba Schools in DF), reinforces the demand. The representative stressed that modernization is necessary: “Today, there are no guarantees for the continuity of resources, nor specific deadlines or clear criteria for notifications, which prevents associations from working with planning and legal security.”
Revelers having fun at DF Carnival
Impact on workers
The carnival is one of the events that generate the most income for the Federal District. According to research by the National Commercial Confederation (CNC), this year’s celebrations generated R$320 million in tourism-related activities alone – an increase of almost 1.5% compared to last year.
Over the four days of the celebration, 45 buildings in the 11 administrative regions of the DF were on display, as well as the various attractions of the Território da Folia. The program spread across Plano Piloto, Taguatinga, Cilandia, Jama, Aguas Claras, São Sebastião, Estrotral and Paranoa.
The carnival also promotes job creation. According to data from the Brazilian Agency, in 2025 more than 32 thousand temporary vacancies were opened. This scenario is directly reflected in samba schools, which rely on a huge production chain to organize street performances – which include seamstresses, blacksmiths, prop makers, musicians, choreographers, craftsmen, among many other professionals.
According to Gledson de Sa, president of Uniesbe-DF (Samba Schools Federation and Blocos de Enredo do DF), the absence of marches has a profound impact on the thousands of workers who provide services to samba schools.
“Most of these professionals come from the community itself, people who find in associations a real opportunity for work, income and recognition for their talents. The carnival stimulates the creative economy, strengthens social connections and reaches areas that the state does not often reach with the same effectiveness.”
He adds: “The lack of performances creates great financial, structural and social difficulties for samba schools. However, the associations are doing everything in their power to maintain their activities, which go well beyond the carnival period.”
the Capitals She contacted the Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy, but did not receive any response. The field remains open for demonstrations.
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Bloco Portadores da Alegria promoted inclusion in DF during the 2024 Carnival
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Revelers having fun at DF Carnival
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Revelers enjoy carnival in DF
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