Virgínia Fonseca: The New Face of Carnival's Grande Rio

Brazilian Influencer Virgínia Fonseca Crowned New Drum Queen of Acadêmicos do Grande Rio. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – In a move that blends digital influence with traditional Carnival spectacle, Acadêmicos do Grande Rio samba school announced Virgínia Fonseca as their new drum queen for the 2026 Carnival. The announcement, made on May 22nd, 2025, was accompanied by a video showing Fonseca at the school's facilities, proudly displaying their flag and showcasing her drumming skills. "What the samba schools do for Carnival is surreal," Fonseca shared in the video, "I've always wanted to be here. When Grande Rio invited me, I knew this was where I belonged." The choice reflects the school's strategy to engage a broader, digitally-savvy audience. Fonseca's appointment follows Paolla Oliveira's seven-year reign as drum queen, marking a new chapter for the renowned samba school. The official coronation is expected later this year.