The Olinda City Council took decisive action by overturning Mayor Mirella Almeida's veto on a pivotal project designed to ensure that artists participating in the city's famous Carnival are paid promptly. The project establishes a maximum payment period of 45 days for artists, aiming to protect the livelihoods of cultural workers and enhance the overall effectiveness and appeal of the events during Carnival. On Thursday, the council voted 14 to 3 in favor of the measure, indicating strong support among council members for the welfare of the arts community.

Despite the council's decisive vote to approve the project, the mayor's office is still exploring ways to amend the law. They are considering extending the payment timeline and adjusting the start of the payment period to coincide with the date of financial reporting, rather than the date of the artists' performances. This potential amendment could significantly affect the intended protection for artists if implemented, as it would effectively delay payments beyond the clients' performances.

The project is an amendment to the existing Municipal Carnival Law and highlights the ongoing struggle between the city administration and local government concerning cultural funding and support. With the growing importance of Carnival for local tourism and cultural identity, this legislative action reflects the council's commitment to fostering a sustainable and advantageous environment for artists, thereby contributing to the preservation of Olinda's vibrant artistic traditions.