A group of transgender women in Brazil has been training for months to take part in the iconic Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro this March. These women will lead the final section of the parade for the samba school Paraiso do Tuiuti, which this year will focus on telling the story of Xica Manicongo, the first transgender woman in Brazil. Manicongo, originally from the Congo Basin, was captured and enslaved in Brazil during the 16th century. The women’s participation in the parade aims to raise awareness for the transgender community and celebrate its history.
Bruna Benevides, the president of the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals and a sergeant in the Brazilian Navy, is leading this initiative. She emphasized that Paraiso do Tuiuti was taking a bold stand in support of the trans community. “When we envisioned this project and presented it to the samba school, we wanted to make it clear that trans people need special care and attention,” she said. Benevides views Carnival as a powerful platform for freedom, a place where people can explore identities and expressions that aren’t typically visible in everyday life.
Paraiso do Tuiuti is one of the 12 samba schools competing in Rio’s renowned Carnival parade, often hailed as “the greatest show on Earth.” Each samba school crafts a unique narrative told through vibrant costumes and live music, with performances watched by thousands in person and millions more via broadcast. The parade celebrates not only the rich cultural heritage of Brazil but also social issues and stories that resonate with contemporary audiences.
This year’s Rio Carnival will take place from March 2 to March 4, with Paraiso do Tuiuti’s homage to Xica Manicongo acting as a central theme of inclusivity and recognition for transgender individuals in Brazil. As these women prepare to take the stage, their participation is a powerful statement of visibility and pride, highlighting their contributions to society and their place within the broader cultural fabric of Brazil. The parade offers them a space to be themselves, celebrating both their identities and their history in an event that is watched and cherished by millions.
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