Paolla Oliveira watches Grande Rio from the stands

After 15 years leading Grande Rio’s drum section, actress Paolla Oliveira watched the school from the sidelines — and wished her successor good luck.

A new chapter for a Carnival icon

On the final night of Rio de Janeiro’s Grupo Especial, actress Paolla Oliveira experienced a first in her Carnival journey. After fifteen years leading the drum corps of Acadêmicos do Grande Rio, she watched her beloved school parade from an entirely new vantage point: the exclusive Camarote Nº1, overlooking the iconic Marquês de Sapucaí sambadrome.

The night was filled with emotion. Watching the school pass by from the stands, Paolla publicly wished influencer and content creator Virgínia Fonseca — her successor as drum queen for Carnival 2026 — all the luck in the world in her debut performance.

Sabrina Sato dazzles the crowd

Earlier in the evening, Paolla also caught the parade of Unidos de Vila Isabel, where Sabrina Sato led the drum section. The night became a celebration of some of Brazil’s biggest entertainment names converging on Rio’s most iconic stage.

A sun-inspired look for a memorable night

For the occasion, Paolla wore a striking look designed by stylist Lucas Oliveira. The visual was inspired by Dove’s Óleo Sérum Bifásico Repair & Glow + Ferúlico hair care line, with orange and gold tones as the defining color palette of the ensemble.

The result was a luminous outfit adorned with rhinestones and crystal beads, blending Carnival’s vibrant energy with the brand’s message of hair care under intense light exposure — a natural extension of Paolla’s ongoing partnership with Dove.

The solar-themed accessories were crafted exclusively by designer duo Camila Pedrosa and Caio Vinícius, who channeled light, movement, and celebration into every piece.

Photo: Disclosure