Rio Carnival Director Ricardo Fernandes Dies

Renowned carnival director Ricardo Fernandes died on Monday, 3 August. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Fernandes, who began his career at Imperatriz Leopoldinense in the late 1980s, later served as Director of Carnaval for Unidos da Tijuca during the 2003‑2004 and 2010‑2013 seasons. He was credited with helping the school achieve a historic vice‑championship in 2004 and the title in 2010, working alongside notable figures such as Rosa Magalhães and Paulo Barros.

Unidos da Tijuca released a note of mourning, stating: “A Unidos da Tijuca, através da palavra de seu presidente Fernando Horta, comunica com profundo pesar o falecimento de Ricardo Fernandes, nosso Diretor de Carnaval…”. The school expressed gratitude for his contributions and offered condolences to his family and friends.