São Paulo was alive with excitement this past weekend as the Baixo Augusta block parade took center stage, but what was meant to be a joyful celebration spiraled dramatically for celebrated writer Marcelo Rubens Paiva. The incident occurred on Sunday, February 23, 2025, just as Paiva was being honored during the parade.
Fans, friends, and fellow artists gathered to celebrate Paiva, the author of "Ainda Estou Aqui," which is competing for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, this year. Dressed elegantly and accompanied by actress Alessandra Negrini—the reigning queen of the block—Paiva was met with cheers as he joined the parade festivities. The atmosphere buzzed with camaraderie as the block played music, including the iconic song "É Preciso Dar Um Jeito, Meu Amigo,” by Erasmo Carlos, which has become synonymous with Paiva's adapted film.
But moments later, as he greeted fans from his wheelchair, Paiva's joy turned to shock when it was reported by multiple news sources, including UOL, CNN, and Brazil247, he was targeted by random objects thrown from the crowd. The first object was a can of beer, followed swiftly by a backpack aimed squarely at his face.
"Despite the scare, everything is okay, it didn’t hurt. The guy threw beer at my face. I didn’t understand why I was attacked. Throwing a backpack at the face of a porte-bandeira, a wheelchair user, who just wants to have fun," recounted Paiva during an interview after the incident.
The chaos didn’t stop with the projectile assault. Following the attacks, tensions escalated when Paiva moved toward the perpetrator, which prompted security personnel to intervene before the situation grew worse. Folião (Carnival revelers) rallied around Paiva, with one woman reportedly shouting, "Where’s security?" reflecting the crowd's indignation.
The incident briefly interrupted the festivities, but determined not to let violence overshadow the celebration, the parade continued under the leadership of Negrini and singer Wilson Simoninha, who guided the crowd back to the spirit of carnival.
Negrini spoke to reporters about the importance of events like this one, expressing, "It’s the carnival of São Paulo. Now, it’s just joy. Carnival is being happy.”
For Paiva, the experience was jarring but did not diminish his pride as he shared, "I’m very happy. It's 16 years, and it's my story." His commitment to the community during such events highlights the resilience of Brazilian culture, especially reflected at this historical moment where festivities clash with unfortunate moments of aggression.
The Baixo Augusta block, known for its inclusive and vibrant spirit, continues to be popular among locals and tourists alike. This event marked the second official day of São Paulo's Carnival, which this year boasts over 600 participating blocks as estimated by the city’s administration, drawing more than 16 million attendees throughout the celebration period ending March 9.
Despite the attack, the audience's love for Paiva shone through as many revelers clamored for photos with him, ensuring his presence at this cultural hotspot remained uplifting. Symbolically, the homage to "Ainda Estou Aqui" not only honored Paiva's legacy but also the struggles of his family during Brazil's tortured past under military dictatorship.
The incident has sparked discussions about safety at large public events, drawing attention to the need for increased security measures to protect both attendees and celebrated figures alike during festivities characterized by liberation and joy.
While some moments of negativity broke through this otherwise colorful occasion, it was the warmth of community spirit, the sheer beauty of culture, and the determination of individuals like Marcelo Rubens Paiva shining through their accomplishments and contributions, which broadcast the true essence of carnival.
With the Oscars looming just days later, discussions surrounding Brazilian representation on the global stage gained even more momentum, setting the tone for what could be regarded as one of Brazilian cinema's triumphs, juxtaposed starkly against the brash violence witnessed during what should have been pure celebration.