Samba-schools, both in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, routinely pay tribute to great names of Brazilian history by telling their life-stories. Obviously, Ayrton Senna is among the most honored figures when it comes to these joyful parades. Take a look back at a few of those moments.

Unidos da Tijuca

Unidos da Tijuca paid tribute to the Brazilian driver in the 2014 carnival and became champions of Rio de Janeiros’s Carnival with the theme “Acelera, Tijuca” (“Step on It, Tijuca”). For the tribute on the world-famous Marques de Sapucaí Avenue, Tijuca brought along a F1 racecar in their front commission (based on a real F3 car), and props that paid homage to other personalities tied to the racing world.

Estácio de Sá

In 1992, Estácio de Sá’s members were having a great time on Sapucaí when Ayrton Senna showed up and surprised everyone on the Avenue. The three-time champion jumped over the fence, wore the champion sash and danced in front of the musicians, becoming an unusual king of the drum section.

Leandro de Itaquera

In 1995, Ayrton Senna was honored in the São Paulo Carnival. Several members of Leandro de Itaquera, most of them children, wore the colors of the 1994 Williams, the last car driven by the Brazilian in F1. The British team’s car and the driver himself were also brought to life on the avenue as giant dolls.