On Saturday, April 19, 2025, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) made a significant personal appearance in Sarapuí, a small municipality in the interior of São Paulo, to attend the wedding of his grandson, Thiago Trindade Lula da Silva, to actress Renata Gasparim. This event marked a historic moment for Sarapuí, which, with a population of just 10,000, welcomed its first sitting president.
Arriving by helicopter from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Lula touched down at a local football field, an entrance that stirred curiosity and excitement among the residents. Accompanied by first lady Janja da Silva, the couple was warmly received by the city’s mayor, Professor Gustavo Barros (PSDB), and his wife, lawyer Bruna Danielli.
The marriage ceremony took place at the luxurious Imperium Village Sarapuí hotel, owned by Andrea Fazan (PSD), the second most voted councilwoman in the region. The wedding was a family affair, with Thiago being the son of Lula’s son, Marcos Cláudio Lula da Silva, and the grandson of the late former first lady, Marisa Letícia, Lula's second wife.
Although the president’s visit was confirmed by the Secretariat of Communication (Secom), it was not publicly announced beforehand to avoid attracting too much attention. This precaution mirrors Lula's own wedding ceremony with Janja in 2022, where the use of cell phones was discouraged to maintain privacy.
Arriving in Sarapuí around 2 PM, Lula and Janja traveled from the Sorocaba airport to the football field by helicopter. After landing, they were escorted to the hotel where the ceremony was held. Lula remained at the event for approximately two hours, departing around 4:30 PM to return to Brasília.
Interestingly, Lula's visit to Sarapuí came during a holiday weekend, and he had no official agenda scheduled. This personal trip was a rare occasion for the president to partake in a family celebration, reflecting the balance he seeks between his public duties and personal life.
The wedding itself was a private event, attended by family and close friends, and it highlighted the family ties that Lula maintains with his grandchildren. Thiago, who often expresses his pride in his grandfather through social media, showcased the close-knit relationship they share.
Despite the informal nature of the event, the significance of a sitting president attending a family wedding in such a small municipality cannot be understated. It has brought national attention to Sarapuí, a town that has now etched itself into the history of presidential visits in Brazil.
As the couple celebrated their union, the presence of the president added a layer of prestige to the occasion, making it memorable not just for the family but for the entire community. This visit is likely to be a talking point among residents for years to come, as they recount the day when President Lula graced their town.
In summary, Lula's attendance at his grandson's wedding in Sarapuí is a reminder of the personal side of political figures, showcasing how family events can intersect with public life. The visit has not only made history for Sarapuí but also reinforced the importance of family in the life of the president.
