Rio de Janeiro – The road to Carnival 2026 is proving to be a painful one for Virginia Fonseca, the newly crowned Rainha de Bateria (Drum Queen) of the Grande Rio samba school. Despite the excitement surrounding her debut on the Marquês de Sapucaí, Fonseca is battling foot injuries sustained during rehearsals, showcasing a dedication to the spectacle that’s earning her both admiration and concern.
Fonseca’s commitment was on full display during a technical rehearsal this past Sunday, , where she performed alongside her daughters, Maria Alice and Maria Flor. Images circulating online show Fonseca in a striking Carnival costume, but the glamour was overshadowed by reports of her physical discomfort. She documented the extent of the damage on social media, describing her feet as “in carne viva” (raw flesh) and expressing her distress.
The injuries appear to be a result of intense samba training and the demands of performing in high heels on the parade route. The recent rehearsal was complicated by heavy rainfall, which made the conditions even more challenging. Fonseca’s dedication, however, remains unwavering. She received a visit from Luciane Santtinha, a muse of Grande Rio and her personal samba instructor, who is providing intensive training to prepare her to succeed Paolla Oliveira as the school’s leading figure.
“My God, guys. You don’t understand how my foot is,” Fonseca shared with her followers, showing the injuries. Santtinha playfully warned that the damage could worsen, adding, “It’ll get worse, you know.” Despite the pain, Fonseca continued with the rehearsal, demonstrating a strong resolve to deliver a memorable performance.
The situation has resonated with fans, who have flooded social media with messages of support. Many have commented on Fonseca’s commitment, with some acknowledging the sacrifices required to participate in Carnival at this level. One fan noted, “Virginia is literally giving her blood,” while another expressed concern, stating, “I wouldn’t be able to handle this, it would make me give up on Carnival.”
Fonseca’s journey to the Sambadrome hasn’t been without its challenges beyond the physical. She recently returned to her home in Goiânia after a trip to Madrid, and her preparation has been closely watched by the public. The transition from influencer and businesswoman to samba queen is a significant one, and Fonseca is navigating it with a mix of enthusiasm and determination.
The injuries come as Fonseca is also grappling with anxieties about other aspects of her costume, specifically the use of a “tapa-sexo” (a protective covering). She expressed concerns about perspiration causing the accessory to detach during the parade. Despite these worries, she remains focused on delivering a captivating performance.
Fonseca’s dedication to Grande Rio is evident in her rigorous training schedule. Following the Sunday rehearsal, she returned to Rio de Janeiro on , to participate in another rehearsal with the school. This commitment underscores her seriousness about embracing her new role and representing Grande Rio with pride.
The incident highlights the demanding physical requirements of Carnival participation, particularly for the Rainha de Bateria, who is expected to lead the school’s percussion section with energy and grace. Fonseca’s willingness to push through the pain demonstrates a level of dedication that is earning her respect within the samba community and among her fans.
As Carnival 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Virginia Fonseca. Her ability to overcome these physical challenges and deliver a stunning performance will undoubtedly be a key storyline of the festivities. The incident serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who bring the magic of Carnival to life each year.
