Quick Summary
- 1The traditional Troça Carnavalesca Pitombeira dos Quatro Cantos, based in Olinda, Pernambuco, has changed its theme for the 2026 carnival to honor the film 'O Agente Secreto'.
- 2This decision follows record-breaking sales of the block's retro shirt, which was worn by actor Wagner Moura in the movie.
- 3The block sold 2,500 shirts of the 1978 design and expects to sell over 5,000 total.
- 4President Hermes Neto stated that the original theme was already defined, but the high demand for the shirt made the change necessary.
Quick Summary
The Troça Carnavalesca Pitombeira dos Quatro Cantos in Olinda, Pernambuco, has officially changed its theme for the 2026 carnival season. The decision was driven by the massive popularity of the block's retro shirt, which appeared in the film 'O Agente Secreto'. The shirt, originally created in 1978, was worn by actor Wagner Moura in the movie, leading to a surge in demand.
Block president Hermes Neto confirmed that the organization sold out of the 2,500 shirts available. The new theme pays homage to the film directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, which recently won two Golden Globe awards. The block expects to sell over 5,000 shirts, which will help cover carnival expenses ahead of schedule for the first time. Additionally, the block is planning to include symbolic elements from the film in the parade and may host a public screening for the upcoming Oscar awards.
Record Sales Drive Theme Change 🎭
The Troça Carnavalesca Pitombeira dos Quatro Cantos is preparing to celebrate its 79th year of history with a new focus. Originally, the block had a different theme prepared for the 2026 festivities. However, the appearance of the organization's shirt in the film 'O Agente Secreto' changed those plans. The shirt is a retro model designed in 1978.
According to Hermes Neto, the president of the Pitombeira, the shirt became a national sensation after the movie's release. The block managed to sell 2,500 units of the shirt rapidly. Neto explained that the leadership could not ignore the momentum. Consequently, the block decided to alter the entire script of the parade to honor the film.
The film 'O Agente Secreto' has been a historic success for the region. It won two prizes at the Globo de Ouro (Golden Globe). The success of the merchandise is also expected to set a new financial precedent for the block. The organization anticipates selling more than 5,000 shirts. This revenue will allow them to pay for the carnival expenses in advance, a first for the traditional troça.
"Chegou a camisa do filme, que a procura está grande, então a gente não vai poder deixar passar em branco. Vamos mudar todo o roteiro para que esse ano a gente saia em homenagem ao 'Agente Secreto'"— Hermes Neto, President of Pitombeira
Parade Plans and Oscar Hopes 🏆
The Pitombeira is planning specific tributes to incorporate the cinematic atmosphere into the street parade. Hermes Neto mentioned that the organization is looking to include symbolic items from the production. One specific element currently being discussed is the inclusion of a yellow Beetle (Fusca) in the parade.
Neto stated that the details are being finalized to surprise the public. "We are running around to see what will work best to honor 'O Agente Secreto'", he said regarding the parade preparations. The block is currently waiting for a new shipment of shirts, scheduled to arrive on January 22.
Beyond the carnival, the block intends to keep the excitement going regarding the film's awards season. The film is currently on the shortlist for the Oscar awards. The Pitombeira leadership plans to set up a large screen in front of their headquarters on March 2 to broadcast the ceremony. The goal is to gather the community to celebrate the potential Oscar win after the carnival festivities conclude.
Cultural Legacy and Expansion 🎺
Founded in 1947, the Pitombeira block holds a significant place in the cultural history of Olinda. They are traditionally responsible for opening the carnival previews every year on September 7. This event features a frevo orchestra that moves through the hills of the city. Neto emphasized that the current success is built on the work of previous generations.
Currently, the block is expanding its cultural activities. Hermes Neto revealed that the Pitombeira has formed three new orchestras and three new groups of passistas (dancers). This initiative aims to value and preserve Pernambucano frevo. Neto views this as a vanguard movement for the genre.
"We have already formed three new orchestras, three new groups of passistas, so really Pitombeira has been doing a vanguard of frevo," Neto stated. "This is important, this cultural heritage. This is just continuing the work of those who made Pitombeira." The block remains committed to maintaining the traditions of the region while adapting to modern cultural trends.
"A gente já formou três novas orquestras, três novos grupos de passistas, então realmente a Pitombeira vem fazendo uma vanguarda do frevo."— Hermes Neto, President of Pitombeira
"Esperar aqui na frente com um grande telão para que todo mundo venha para cá e, quando terminar o carnaval, a gente esteja comemorando o Oscar"— Hermes Neto, President of Pitombeira
Frequently Asked Questions
The block changed its theme to 'O Agente Secreto' due to the record-breaking sales of its retro shirt, which was featured in the movie.
The block sold 2,500 shirts and expects to surpass 5,000 sales total.
The film 'O Agente Secreto' won two awards at the Globo de Ouro (Golden Globe).
