Former Rio Branco Carnival Queen Crowned Expoacre Rodeo Queen 2026
Erica Oliveira, a former Carnival Queen of Rio Branco, has been elected the Rodeo Queen of Expoacre 2026. The coronation took place on Saturday, May 25th, during the final of the competition held in front of the Rio Branco Palace in the Acrean capital. Oliveira received a prize of R$ 10,000 and will officially represent the agricultural fair throughout the event. Josefa Inácio from Plácido de Castro was named Princess of the Lasso, receiving R$ 5,000, while Maysa Valadão from Senador Guiomard was elected Godmother of the Cowboys, earning R$ 3,000. A total of 15 participants competed, evaluated on criteria including charm, communication, posture, poise, and elegance. Oliveira, who previously held the title of Rio Branco Carnival Queen in 2025, will participate in the parade, the rodeo opening, and other cultural activities of Expoacre 2026. The fair is scheduled to run from August 1st to 9th at the Wildy Viana Exhibition Park in Rio Branco. Oliveira expressed her honor in representing Acrean culture and women, emphasizing authenticity, responsibility, and commitment. Her victory comes less than two weeks after she publicly reported an alleged domestic violence incident involving her ex-husband, stating she was saved by her 9-year-old son. The case is under investigation by the Civil Police, with a protective measure requested and a police report filed. Meanwhile, the State Audit Court (TCE-AC) has ordered the suspension of contracts related to the Expoacre 2026 infrastructure due to suspected irregularities. The TCE cited issues in the contracting process, including an increase in the estimated cost from R$ 20 million to R$ 22 million and concerns about the experience of the selected entities, which primarily focus on religious and philanthropic activities.
The election of Erica Oliveira as Expoacre Rodeo Queen highlights a narrative of personal resilience, particularly in light of her recent public disclosure of domestic violence. This juxtaposition of triumph and past trauma offers a complex lens through which to view public representation. Simultaneously, the Expoacre event itself is under scrutiny from the State Audit Court, raising questions about financial transparency and the governance of public funds. The TCE's intervention, focused on procedural irregularities and the selection of entities lacking event management experience, suggests potential systemic weaknesses in procurement processes. This situation prompts reflection on how public events are organized and funded, and the importance of robust oversight to ensure accountability and prevent the misuse of resources, especially when public trust and safety are at stake.
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