Politicians Targeted by Revelers During Brazilian Carnival

02/14/2018 - 11h03

Samba schools in Rio and Carnival blocks in Salvador, Recife and Belo Horizonte targeted politicians, the Judiciary branch and public policies in their "Carnival of protest".

In São Paulo criticism was less explicit, but also present.

Rio's samba school, Beija-Flor, compared "Frankenstein", by Mary Shelley, to Brazil's current outlook.

	Mauro Pimentel/AFP
	A reveller of the Beija-Flor samba school performs during the second night of Rio's Carnival at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro

Rats represented politicians and criticism was directed at crime, as well as at the deplorable situation of Brazil's health and education system and corruption.

Rio's mayor, Marcelo Crivella (PRB), was targeted by Mangueira's parade, the day before. He has cut funds for samba schools and street parties.

One of the school's floats had a sign that said "Mayor, it's a sin not to celebrate Carnival". Crivella is a licensed bishop of the Universal Church.

Paraíso do Tuiuti samba school depicted president Michel Temer as a vampire in their last float - and also addressed topics such as racism, slavery and labor laws.

Temer and Crivella were also targeted outside the Sambadrome, at Rio's Carnival blocks.

	Mauro Pimentel/AFP
	Revellers of the Paraiso do Tuiuti samba school perform during the first night of Rio's Carnival at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil's president was criticized by Carnival block Mudança do Garcia, in Salvador. Revelers had signs against the Pension reform and politicians.

In Recife, revelers wore costumes that read "Fora Temer" (Temer out).

Translated by ANA BEATRIZ DEMARIA

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