Giant robot pays homage to Brazilian Lula to kick off Rio Carnival

The first day of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Carnival parades paid tribute to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The Acadêmicos de Niterói, a samba school, traces Lula’s life as a boy growing up in a poor family in northeastern Brazil to become a metal worker, union leader and later president, and displays giant figures in tribute to the president.

The march drew criticism from the opposition ahead of Brazil’s next general election to elect the country’s president in October. Critics argued the tribute could be seen as early campaigning and could breach pre-election campaigning rules.

Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival parades last for three days, with four top samba schools taking part each day.

Video edited by Marina Costa