The Palestinian flag at Brazil’s Carnival: Where samba meets solidarity

Brazil’s Carnival is a global phenomenon, renowned for its exuberant parades, vibrant samba rhythms and dazzling costumes. For millions of revellers, it’s a time to celebrate Brazilian culture and the country’s rich history. But beyond the samba beats, there lies a deeper story of political expression and solidarity. In recent years, the Palestinian flag has become an unexpected yet powerful symbol raised in the heart of Brazil’s most iconic festival. This gesture connects global struggles for justice with the joy and freedom of one of the world’s largest cultural celebrations.

In a historic moment at the 2025 Carnival finals, the Workers’ Cause Party (Partido da Causa Operária, PCO) made an unforgettable statement of solidarity by raising a massive Palestinian flag at the event. The spectacle unfolded just as the winning samba schools were being announced, drawing attention not only to the colourful and grand celebrations typical of the Carnival, but also for its message of solidarity.

The PCO is a left-wing political party known for its firm stance on global justice issues and has long championed the Palestinian cause. The dramatic display at the Carnival finals was the party’s way of amplifying this message to a global audience. By raising the flag at such a moment, the party highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Palestinian people for freedom, self-determination and justice, right in the middle of a celebration that attracts an audience of millions. Although the Carnival has always primarily been about revelry, the inclusion of the Palestinian flag represents something more profound: the merging of cultural celebration with political activism.

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The flag was more than just a political gesture, though; it was a statement about the potential of cultural platforms to raise awareness about global issues. The Carnival, as a space of joy, freedom and open expression, is well suited for conveying messages of solidarity. The contrast between the festive atmosphere and the serious nature of the flag’s symbolism created a powerful moment where people could engage with the realities of global injustice while being immersed in the cultural pride of Brazil.

Political engagement doesn’t need to be confined to the streets of protests or the halls of governments. It can be woven into the fabric of everyday life and celebrations, a reminder that the fight for justice is ongoing and ever-present, even in the most joyful moments.

رفعت مجموعة “أغيتو كومبارسا” العلم الفلسطيني في كرنفال ريو دي جانيرو البرازيلي.
وتعتبر مجموعة الكرنفال البرازيلية الأفريقية واحدة من أبرز المجموعات في المدينة، حيث تنتشر العروض السياسية التي تتحدث ضد الظلم. https://t.co/q37Yo1QdnA

— ali saada (@alisaada2) March 4, 2025

This wasn’t the first time that the Palestinian flag has been raised at the Carnival in Rio. It was also raised a week ago by the Agytoê comparsa, a prominent Afro-Brazilian carnival group., As one of the most recognised samba groups in the city, Agytoê has long used its platform to speak out against injustice and inequality. By raising the Palestinian flag, it highlighted the group’s ongoing commitment to fighting for the rights of marginalised communities.

Months before the 2025 Carnival, activists and cultural groups were seen raising the Palestinian flag at several high-profile events across Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, protesters gathered on Copacabana Beach and at the Arcos da Lapa, a landmark area known for its nightlife and celebrations. They sent a direct message to the world that, while the streets of Brazil may be filled with samba and joy, there’s also room for solidarity with those suffering abroad.

Rio de Janeiro, a city teeming with tourists year-round, has not hesitated to stand in solidarity with Palestine and Gaza since the outbreak of the Israeli genocide in 2023. Popular demonstrations and activism have continued unabated since the beginning of Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza. The city’s communities have united to denounce the actions of the Israeli occupation regime.

Brazil’s relationship with Palestine isn’t just symbolic. The country has one of the largest Arab communities in the world, with many members of Palestinian descent, whose activism ensures that the struggles in their homeland are never forgotten. Over the years, Brazil has shown a strong commitment to the Palestinian cause, calling for an end to occupation and supporting the right of Palestinians to self-determination. This historical context creates a unique backdrop for the Palestinian flag being raised during the Carnival in Rio.

The Workers’ Cause Party of Brazil held aloft a massive Palestinian flag at Brazil’s Carnival. [Photo: PCO]

The Workers’ Cause Party of Brazil held aloft a massive Palestinian flag at Brazil’s Carnival. [Photo: PCO]

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