As Carnaval approaches, traditional São Paulo celebrations were at risk due to funding issues faced by prominent blocks like Pagu and Tarado Ni Você. However, both blocks have recently secured sponsorship from the brewery Amstel, a part of the Heineken Group, which will ensure their participation in the Carnaval festivities from February 14 to 17. This sponsorship comes at a critical time, as organizers have been vocal about the potential cancellations of parades if financial support was not obtained, which has sparked debate over the funding mechanisms of the event in the city.

The announcement of the sponsorship arrives after weeks of uncertainty, and it highlights the essential role that corporate support plays in the viability of these cultural events. Despite the importance of Carnaval to São Paulo's economy, contributing billions of reais, the cuts to public funding and the challenges of attracting private sponsors put the future of such traditional celebrations in jeopardy. The support from Amstel aims to stabilize these blocks amid ongoing discussions about how Carnaval should be financed going forward.

The allocation of funds has also sparked discussions on the management of public resources under Mayor Ricardo Nunes, who had decreased the budget specifically allocated for Carnaval structures by R$ 12 million in 2026. This decision has significant implications for the cultural landscape in São Paulo, prompting community leaders and organizers to seek out new funding avenues to safeguard their traditions during one of the most celebrated events in Brazil. The success and continuation of the Pagu and Tarado Ni Você blocks will serve as a litmus test for the sustainability of Carnaval celebrations in the future.