Rio De Janeiro, Brazil ? Add a Brazilian samba school to the list of Hugo Chavez’s beneficiaries.

The Venezuelan president, who liberally dispenses cash, oil and unsolicited advice to people across the Americas, is sponsoring samba school Vila Isabel, a Rio de Janeiro group that will compete in this weekend’s Carnival.

The group’s theme will be “I’m Mad About You, America.” Its song and dance routine will pay homage to Latin American unity and to Simon Bolivar, the 19th century liberation leader who is a Chavez hero. And its guest of honor could be Chavez himself.

Chavez reportedly wants to attend the Carnival parade today. But officials from Vila Isabel concede the logistics of hosting a head of state are daunting.

And Chavez may ultimately figure that a crowded, chaotic and often drunken street festival presents too ripe an opportunity for those who would like him dead.

In any case, Chavez’s money will be on parade. Through its state petroleum company, the Venezuelan government has donated as much as $1 million to Vila Isabel.

That should buy lots of materials to construct the “I’m Mad About You, America” float. And it should buy Chavez and Venezuela more Brazilian good will.

Dancers perform Saturday in the parade of Estacio de Sa samba school at the sambodrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main samba schools parade today and Monday.

“It’s a symbolic benefit,” said Marcelo Coutinho, a political scientist in Rio de Janeiro. “The benefit is supporting regional integration and Latin identity … putting side by side the flags of Brazil and Venezuela.”

The Carnival sponsorship coincides with a publicity campaign in Brazil by PDVSA, the Venezuelan state oil company.

Venezuela is looking to invest more in Brazil’s energy sector. And Chavez and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have unveiled ambitious plans for a new natural gas pipeline.

All this is part of Chavez’s push for greater economic integration in the region – with Venezuela playing a leading role.

And Chavez clearly relishes his growing stature and popularity across Latin America. His criticism of President Bush brings applause and laughter.

His attacks on free market economics endear him to millions of Latin Americans who have seen their lives improve little in the past 15 years.