Julinho and Rute join União de Maricá for 2027 Carnival

Special Group champions with Viradouro, Julinho Nascimento and Rute Alves now lead União de Maricá’s flag in their elite debut.União de Maricá took another major step in preparing its team for the 2027 Carnival. The school announced on Wednesday (25) the arrival of the renowned master of ceremonies and flag bearer duo Julinho Nascimento and Rute Alves, current champions with Unidos do Viradouro. Welcomed at the school’s warehouse in São Cristóvão, they have already begun integration into the new project.Dancing together since 2008, when they first performed for Unidos de Vila Isabel, Julinho and Rute have built one of the longest-lasting partnerships in Rio’s samba world. They boast three Special Group titles and one from Série Ouro, with outstanding performances for Vila Isabel, Unidos da Tijuca, and Viradouro.Known for his precision and elegance, Julinho is one of Rio’s most awarded masters of ceremonies. He began his career at Tradição in the early 1990s and has won six Estandarte de Ouro awards. “It’s a great joy to begin this new chapter with União de Maricá. We’re motivated and ready to give our best,” he said.Rute Alves, revealed by São Clemente, joins União de Maricá with five elite titles and stints with Portela and Porto da Pedra. “The school welcomed us warmly. We believe in the project, and that makes all the difference,” she stated.With the addition of the new couple, União de Maricá now has four confirmed names for the 2027 Carnival: along with Julinho and Rute, Zé Paulo Sierra (singer) and Patrick Carvalho (choreographer) also continue with the school.Photo: Ney Junior