Carnival on Major São Paulo Avenue Creates Difficulties for Hospitals

02/13/2018 - 11h39

Hailed as a solution for preventing turmoil in residential neighborhoods, the decision by São Paulo Mayor João Doria (PSDB Party) to transfer Carnival blocks to Avenida 23 de Maio has created difficulties for residents and patients interned at hospitals in the Aclimação, Bela Vista and Paraíso neighborhoods and the surrounding region.

The area around the avenue, which connects the center to the southern zone of the city, has at least six major hospitals. With their windows facing 23 de Maio Avenue, the Beneficência Portuguesa hospital is one of those most affected.

"Children are crying, they are getting irritated. The windows are even shaking", said business administrator Manu Ferreira Lopes, 26, who has a two-month-old baby interned at the hospital.

There have also been reports of problems at the Santa Joana and Municipal Public Servants hospitals.

Some residents of the region have also complained about problems related to the presence of mega-blocks in the neighborhoods.

In the Bela Vista neighborhood, building manager Raquel Nicastro had to call the police after revelers broke a glass protection wall for her apartment complex.

In the Paraíso region, homemaker Rivamara Lanis complained about the smell. "People are dropping their pants in the middle of the street, and it ends up stinking a lot here."

When contacted, the mayor's office declared that the May 23rd Avenue Carnival "has been an organizational and public success" and that "other aspects" are to be evaluated.

According to Doria's administration, the event was thoroughly discussed with residents' associations and with the authorities.

Translated by LLOYD HARDER

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