Acadêmicos de Niterói, Honoring Lula, Tells Members Not to Make 'L' Gesture

Overview

• Bia Lula confirmed she will parade with the school, while President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has not confirmed his attendance.
• A circular reported by Ancelmo Gois asked participants to avoid the 'L' hand sign during rehearsals and on the avenue.
• School leaders fear the gesture could be interpreted as political propaganda and harm scoring as Lula seeks re-election in October.
• The samba-enredo, titled 'Do alto do mulungu surge a esperança: Lula, o operário do Brasil,' traces Lula’s life and is written by a team including Teresa Cristina and André Diniz, with vocals by Emerson Dias.
• Fresh off a 2025 Série Ouro title, Acadêmicos de Niterói will make its Grupo Especial debut opening Sunday night on February 15.