Joana Prado, known for her role as Feiticeira during the 1990s and early 2000s, along with her husband, former MMA fighter Vitor Belfort, has stirred controversy by publicly condemning Carnival. Their video, shared on February 25, 2025, accuses the popular festival of promoting immorality and invoking demonic forces, drawing significant backlash from the public and commentators alike.
During their video, Joana expressed her transformed views, stating, "There exists there a cult of orixás, and the invocations to demons happen. Carnival is focused on the flesh and showcases body exposure." This criticism raised eyebrows, especially considering Joana's past as someone who once reveled in the festivities, having previously paraded as the muse for the Salgueiro samba school back in 2000.
Vitor Belfort also chimed in, stating, "The greatest enemy of man is the flesh itself. The life of a Christian is rooted in the Word; we should never feed the flesh." His strong stance alongside Joana reveals their shared belief about continuing adverse influences stemming from the Carnival and its connection to what they describe as 'macumba' and 'spiritist culture'.
Joana took to social media with added fervor, telling fellow Christians, "If you, my friend, claim to be Christian yet continue to attend Carnival, meditate, pray, and reflect upon God's word. There's no way someone filled with the Holy Spirit can fail to feel discomfort with it." Her remarks assert the necessity for followers of Christ to live sanctified lives, separate from worldly temptations.
The couple's comments did not sit well with many social media users, who criticized them for perceived intolerance. One user responded, "It's astonishing how the rich can mock what they profited from!" Another chimed, "Respect is key; Carnival is culture, and no one is obligated to partake." The backlash highlighted tensions between individual beliefs and cultural traditions endemic in Brazilian society.
Experts took notice of the potential racial and religious implications following the video. Luciana Santos, an attorney and journalist who specializes in Afro-Brazilian culture, labeled the couple’s comments as examples of religious racism. She stated, "To equate demons with entities of African origin is not only intolerant but also reinforces historic violence against these religions."
Karolline Porto, who has expertise on public safety and human rights concerning African beliefs, noted, "Their remarks incite violence against minority faiths and perpetuate misconceptions rooted deeply within colonial narratives." The conversation shifted beyond mere festival criticism to touch upon issues of respect, historical injustice, and the impact of Christian rhetoric on existing cultural practices.
Since her conversion to Christianity 15 years ago, Joana has aimed to distance herself from her previous image as the 'Feiticeira.' She remarked, "I regret my time as Feiticeira; true repentance means changing one's life." This transformation portrays significant personal evolution but also presents layers of complexity as the couple now navigates their newfound religious convictions, contrasted starkly against their cultural roots.
The Carnival, rich with history, cultural practice, and vibrant community expression, stands at the center of this divisive dialogue. Many insist on its value as cultural heritage, critiquing the couple's attempt to invalidate what they deem sacred celebrations steeped deeply within Brazilian life.
Joana and Vitor's expressions raise challenging questions about faith, culture, and the boundless nature of human expression found within festivities like Carnival. While they seek to uphold their interpretation of Christian values, others argue for the right to celebrate and honor diverse cultural practices without belittlement or oppression.
Moving forward, the conversation over Carnival—its place within the cultural fabric of Brazil, and the impact of personal beliefs on public and communal celebrations—remains unresolved and deeply significant. This discourse could influence how religious expressions intersect with cultural identities, eliciting important dialogue about tolerance and respect for the richness of diverse traditions within Brazilian society.