In a rather unfortunate incident during the Carnival festivities, a sewage pipe burst at the Sambódromo do Anhembi in São Paulo, flooding the entrance of the Espaço da Cidade, the City Hall’s allocated space for visitors. As a result, attendees had to navigate the area using makeshift pallets placed over the water, creating both a logistical challenge and an unpleasant odor. Local authorities, including the Traffic Engineering Company (CET) and the State Basic Sanitation Company (Sabesp), swiftly responded to address the situation, although they indicated that complete repairs would not be completed until the following day.

According to a city official, the pipe ruptured due to a clog caused by trash, highlighting ongoing issues with waste management in the area. The Espaço da Cidade operates under two partnership contracts valued at approximately R$ 2 million, which include infrastructure provisions without direct public funding. One of these contracts involves the city allowing the installation of a corporate box (Camara Bar Brahma) on city property in exchange for the infrastructure, raising questions about the resource allocation during such a critical festive period.

The incident has sparked discussions on the adequacy of maintenance around public facilities during large events like Carnival, where crowds and media attention are at their peak. Visitors’ experience was significantly impacted by the flooding, reflecting the need for improved infrastructure and waste management strategies during major public events. Authorities will likely face scrutiny regarding future preparedness and responsiveness in similar situations, emphasizing the importance of effective urban management in Brazil's largest metropolis.