Evangelical Backlash and Political Fallout from Lula Tribute at Carnval Parade

The Carnaval parade by Acadêmicos de Niterói honoring President Lula has ignited considerable criticism from evangelical groups and allied religious sectors, stirring concern within Lula's government. The parade, held on February 15, featured a segment titled 'neoconservadores em conserva,' depicting evangelical families alongside right-wing and agribusiness figures inside cans—a portrayal the Evangelical Parliamentary Front deemed 'disrespectful and offensive.' This backlash was compounded by legal threats against the samba school, which had received R$ 1 million in public funds, the same amount as top-tier schools.

Government allies acknowledge the negative online reaction and express unease about political exploitation of the parade imagery, especially given Lula's goal to cultivate evangelical support traditionally aligned with Bolsonaro. Despite criticisms, officials emphasize that the parade's design was independent of government influence and underscore Lula's prior signing of religious freedom legislation.

The Acadêmicos de Niterói, newly promoted to the Grupo Especial division, was reclassified to Série Ouro after receiving low overall scores despite earning two perfect marks for the samba-enredo honoring Lula’s mother, Dona Lindu. Officials suggest political motivations might have influenced the judges, particularly given the parade's pointed critique of former president Bolsonaro.

Lula himself attended the parade against advice, underscoring the personal significance tied to his mother’s legacy. The spectacle was notable for the absence of Lula's wife, Rosângela da Silva, replaced by singer Fafá de Belém.

The Catholic Parliamentary Front also condemned the parade’s content, calling for legal accountability. Both evangelical and Catholic legislative groups, comprising hundreds of deputies and senators, are mobilizing to challenge the samba school's portrayal which they say undermines Christian values central to Brazil’s identity. The ongoing political fallout highlights tensions at the intersection of culture, faith, and politics amid Brazil’s charged electoral climate.