União de Maricá researches Darcy Ribeiro legacy in Xingu

The samba school União de Maricá is preparing for its 2027 debut in the Special Group of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival with the theme ‘Utopia Brasil: Darcy Ribeiro’. To deepen research for the parade, members of the school spent three days in the Xingu Indigenous Territory at the invitation of the Waurá people. During this immersion, they observed the Kuarup, a traditional ritual used to honor and celebrate the memory of important community members.

The theme pays tribute to the life and legacy of anthropologist, educator, and writer Darcy Ribeiro, focusing on his defense of indigenous rights and his role in creating the Xingu Indigenous Park.

As part of the preparations, the school is holding a semifinal competition for its samba-enredo. Five musical works are currently in contention to represent the theme at the Marquês de Sapucaí. The final selection is scheduled for September 18.