Pre-Carnival in São Paulo Gets Passing Grade As Problems Shift to New Locations This Year

02/05/2018 - 11h14

The pre-Carnival celebration, and its 187 carnival blocks which were scattered throughout the streets of São Paulo over the weekend, got passing grades in terms of attendance, traffic, hygiene and security, though there were also a few setbacks at parades on Saturday (the 3rd) and Sunday (the 4th).

The main area of congestion was the Pinheiros region, which was affected by the same problems that arose in Vila Madalena in previous years, a neighborhood that took security measures this time around and resorted to gates and private bodyguards who controlled the flow of Carnival-goers and prohibited street vendors from selling alcohol.

Due to this fact, the area spanning from the largo da Batata to Pedroso de Morais Avenue was transformed into a sort of "walkway" where street vendors could be seen selling alcoholic beverages every few feet.

On Saturday, the Faria Lima station would not stop pouring out partygoers.

Concentrations of people started to from because of the street vendors who positioned themselves by the station exits.

In the afternoon, the flow of commuters became so intense that problems began to arise on the yellow line, leading the concessionaire to implement emergency measures and call for backup. The exits were closed off, which led to pushing and shoving.

In the Ibirapuera region, where Alceu Valença and Elba Ramalho performed on Saturday, and Monobloco performed on Sunday, the entrance points were set up with traffic cones and bodyguards who patted down partygoers while prohibiting people with glass bottles or sharp objects from entering.

Easier access to porta potties meant that people were rarely seen urinating in the streets over the weekend.

This will be the first Carnival season to take place after the R$ 500 fine (US$ 155) for public urination was approved - according to the city, 50 people were fined this weekend.

Translated by THOMAS MATHEWSON

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	Eduardo Anizelli/Folhapress
	Revellers take part in an annual block party known as "Academicos do Baixa Augusta", in São Paulo