Hello everyone, and welcome back,
Carnaval may be Brazil’s global trademark, but we’ve always had our own version. It’s usually a moment to blend in with the locals, feel the culture from the inside, and let yourself be carried by the rhythm.
But this year is different.
The severe storms that hit the country left scars; physical, emotional, and economic. Communities that normally spend months preparing for celebration suddenly found themselves rebuilding homes, supporting neighbors, and rethinking what Carnaval even means in a moment like this. And yet, in true Portuguese fashion, people still show up for each other. They adapt. They create. They keep going.
That resilience is exactly why Carnaval remains such a powerful metaphor for entrepreneurship.
Every year, even in the best of times, Carnaval is built under pressure. Samba groups and local associations reinvent themselves with tight budgets, shifting plans, and unpredictable challenges. This year, the constraints were heavier, but the spirit didn’t break. That’s the startup mindset in its purest form: innovation born from adversity, creativity sharpened by necessity, and the belief that something meaningful can still emerge from chaos.
Carnaval is also a collective act. No one shines alone. Designers, musicians, dancers, volunteers, everyone contributes to a shared vision. The same is true for founders. No startup scales without a community: mentors, partners, early adopters, and the team that shows up even when the confetti is replaced by mud and debris. Community isn’t decoration; it’s infrastructure.
And even in a year like this, boldness still matters. Carnaval rewards those who dare, those who take risks, push boundaries, and bring something unexpected to the avenue. The best entrepreneurial ideas come from that same courage. Playing it safe rarely leads to breakthroughs, in business or in celebration.
At its core, Carnaval, especially this year, reminds us of passion, resilience, and creativity. These are the values that define entrepreneurship at its best. Whether you’re building a company or helping your neighbourhood rebuild, success comes from embracing challenges, trusting your people, and having the courage to stand out.
Because in both business and in moments of celebration or recovery, the ones who make an impact are the ones who dare to shine, even when the skies have just cleared.
