Moacyr da Silva Pinto, known as Mestre Ciça, at 69 years old, has once again taken the helm of Viradouro’s drum section from atop a parade float, echoing a memorable moment from 2007. This year, the Unidos da Tijuca’s theme features the renowned drum master, and the spectacle was recreated at the Marquês de Sapucaí.
In 2007, Viradouro’s parade theme, “A Viradouro Vira o Jogo,” featured an innovative performance where drummers paraded on a nearly 40-meter-long float designed as a giant chessboard. The performance earned the school high scores, with three perfect tens and a 9.8 in the drum section category.
This year, the reenactment included additional challenges. Mestre Ciça participated in the front commission’s presentation before returning to lead the Cadência de Niterói. The float, adorned in red and featuring a staircase, was a grand sight. Ciça ascended the steps with his team and the drum queen, Juliana Paes, in a majestic display.
