This year, Rio Carnival is moving beyond the feathers and glitter to tackle one of Brazil’s deepest social taboos. The Porto da Pedra samba school has announced a groundbreaking parade theme dedicated entirely to the history, struggles, and rights of sex workers.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Vision Behind the Parade
The creative force, director Mauro Quintaes, is closing out his trilogy on marginalized Brazilians by focusing on those who work “the night.” Here is how they are flipping the script:
- Honoring a Legend: The parade draws inspiration from Lourdes Barreto, the 83-year-old “godmother” of the movement who has fought for sex worker safety since the 1980s.
- Real Representation: Rather than using models to “play” the part, over 50 active sex workers from across Brazil will march in the procession, representing their own lived experiences.
- A Political Statement: While the profession has been recognized by Brazil’s Ministry of Labor since 2002, workers still face systemic violence and lack of legal protections. This parade is a televised demand for labor rights.
Why the Shift?
In the past, sex work was often portrayed in Carnival through a lens of tragedy or “bohemian” fantasy. Porto da Pedra is shifting the tone toward professionalism and humanization.
“We aren’t asking for an apology; we are asking for visibility,” Quintaes noted. The goal is to strip away the “shame” and highlight the workers as parents, activists, and citizens.
The “Big Picture” Impact
By bringing this theme to the Sambadrome, the school is utilizing the world’s largest party as a massive loudspeaker. With millions watching globally, the message is clear: the “oldest profession” deserves the same safety and dignity as any other.
The parade begins tonight, February 13, 2026.
