The Public Ministry of Rio Grande do Norte has issued a recommendation to impose restrictions on the traditional mela-mela celebration in Guamaré, a city located in the Costa Branca region of the state, during the upcoming Carnival in 2026. This decision aims to safeguard the Aratuá and Miassaba rivers, which are vulnerable to pollution during the festivities. The mela-mela event involves participants covering themselves in cane syrup and other substances, which can affect the local water systems.

The proposed restrictions, if adopted, would ban the use of cane syrup, flour, and similar substances in public areas where stormwater drainage systems directly lead to the estuaries of the rivers. This measure is seen as a necessary step to prevent environmental degradation caused by the event, as the pollutant substances could compromise the quality of the water bodies, vital for local ecosystems and the community's well-being.

In response to the recommendations, the municipal government of Guamaré has expressed its intention to cooperate by implementing the necessary measures to mitigate the potential environmental impacts associated with the festival’s activities. This proactive approach indicates a growing awareness of environmental issues amidst cultural celebrations and a commitment to balancing festivities with ecological preservation.