Actress will debut at Império Serrano as ground highlight in the Conceição Evaristo tribute and perform a special show at the school’s quad.
Debut at Império Serrano in Sapucaí
Império Serrano has announced a major addition for Carnival 2026. Actress Luana Piovani will join the parade at Marquês de Sapucaí as a ground highlight. The Madureira-based school will present the theme “Ponciá Evaristo Flor do Mulungu”, a tribute to writer Conceição Evaristo, created by carnival designer Renato Esteves.
This will be Luana’s first time parading with the “Reizinho de Madureira”. The invitation came from the school’s board after she expressed, back in September, her wish to join the school on the avenue. The approach evolved naturally and led to the confirmation for Carnival 2026.
Stage show at the quad and 35-year career celebration
Beyond Sapucaí, Luana will also perform at the Império Serrano quad. In January, she will present the show “Cantos da Lua”, celebrating her 35-year career in a special session open to the local community. The exact date of the performance will be announced soon.
The actress celebrated the invitation and spoke about the emotion of joining the school’s parade. She highlighted her admiration for Conceição Evaristo and her joy at returning to Sapucaí, now defending Império’s green and white colors. Luana sees the moment as a renewed connection with Rio’s Carnival.
“Coming back to Rio’s Carnival after so many years, and with Império Serrano, fills me with joy and pride. Today, more than ever, I understand and revere the greatest party on the planet. I am here to add. With my admiration for Conceição, my gratitude to Império and my love for those who truly create and represent Carnival, I return,” said Luana Piovani.
Connection with the theme and expectations for 2026
Carnival designer Renato Esteves also celebrated Luana’s arrival. He emphasized how special the dialogue with the actress has been since their first conversations. According to him, she arrives with authenticity, dedication and strong alignment with the storyline.
“Our contact with Luana has been very special from the beginning. She brings truth, commitment and enthusiasm. She is a sensitive and intense artist, deeply connected to our theme. I am sure her presence in the parade will greatly contribute to the project we are building for Carnival 2026,” said Renato Esteves.
In 2026, Império Serrano will be the fourth school to parade on 14 February, in the Série Ouro at Marquês de Sapucaí. Expectations are high for a powerful presentation that combines Conceição Evaristo’s legacy, Luana Piovani’s presence and the traditional strength of Império’s community.
