This Sunday, Tá Pirando, Pirado, Pirou! invites the public to choose its 2026 samba-enredo at Rio Scenarium, with actor Paulo Betti on the jury
The event happens on February 1 at the Lavradio street venue and lands at the heart of the bloc’s yearly calendar. At once, it mixes live music, community discussion, and collective creation.
Paulo Betti on the jury, Basaglia in the storyline
Betti joins the judging panel and will also parade in the front commission portraying Franco Basaglia. Alongside him, artist Rosa Brunchaft—who attends the Franco Basaglia psychosocial care center (Caps)—will embody Franca Ongaro Basaglia.
During the opening moments, the group will honor carnival artist Maria Augusta, who passed away last year. She had been part of the bloc’s contest juries.
What the 2026 theme asks from the song
For Carnival 2026, the bloc heads to Avenida Pasteur in Urca with the theme “O Cavalo Azul do Cuidado em Liberdade e a Chama Acesa de Franco Basaglia”. It pays tribute to Franco Basaglia and Franca Ongaro Basaglia, key figures in psychiatric reform and the global anti-asylum movement.
The winning song is expected to turn that history into melody and verse. In other words, the competition is not just musical—it reflects a street carnival built around openness, affection, and politics.
Public event, free entry (capacity limited)
The selection is open to everyone and brings together composers, bloc members, and supporters. As a result, the room becomes both a party and a civic space centered on inclusion and care in freedom.
Admission is free, subject to venue capacity. Arriving early helps if you want to catch all performances before the final decision.
The winning samba debuts on February 8
The chosen samba will debut at the February 8, 2026 parade on Avenida Pasteur. Special guests include Portela’s drum section and the street blocs Céu na Terra and Vem Cá Minha Flor.
Service
Tá Pirando, Pirado, Pirou! samba-enredo selection
Date: February 1
Location: Rio Scenarium – Rua do Lavradio, 20 – Centro do Rio
Time: 2:00 pm
Free entry
Parade: February 8, 2026 – Avenida Pasteur, Urca – 3:00 pm
Photo: Divulgação
