Stage and tent of Itaúna Folia are interdicted, but programming is maintained
Despite the stage and tent being closed by the Fire Department due to safety concerns, the Itaúna Folia carnival program continues with alternative arrangements.
In Itaúna, Minas Gerais, the Fire Department has interdicted the stage and a tent set up for the Itaúna Folia carnival due to safety risks identified in a report by Cemig, the local energy utility, which determined that the structures were too close to high voltage power lines. The decision was made to ensure public safety during the carnival festivities, occurring during Brazil's renowned Carnival season.
Despite the interdiction, the first day of the carnival proceeded as planned, with musical performances taking place on a trio elétrico—a mobile stage used during street carnivals—provided by one of the participating blocos (carnival groups). This swift adjustment highlighted the organizers' commitment to maintaining the festive spirit of the event while addressing safety concerns. The local government expressed its dedication to resolving the issues quickly so that celebrations could resume as normal.
Teams from the Culture Secretariat and Cemig were dispatched to the venue to rectify the situation surrounding the safety violations highlighted in the report. As the local authorities continue to work on ensuring that the carnival festivities can proceed without incident, residents and visitors remain hopeful that solutions will be found promptly, ensuring the success of one of the region's key cultural celebrations during this vibrant time of year.