Samba schools in São José do Rio Preto are calling for public financial support to revive their carnival parades, which have not occurred officially since 2018 due to a lack of funding.
Samba schools in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil, are raising their voices for public financial support to reinstate the city's carnival parades, which have been absent since 2018. The samba parade used to be the most celebrated attraction during the local street carnival until the early 2000s, but disbanded due to diminishing resources and municipal administration issues. Members of the samba schools emphasize that without financial backing, the cultural event that has defined their identity is at risk of extinction.
According to the samba schools, the abrupt stop in parades is largely attributed to inadequate funding from the city government, particularly following administrative changes related to the management of carnival festivities. In response, the municipality stated that it invested R$ 6 million into the CarnaVirou event in 2026, besides providing financial aid to various carnival blocks to stimulate local economic activity. This raises questions about the allocation of resources and the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage through samba.
The importance of the samba culture is profound as evidenced by the quoted lyrics echoing a deep emotional plea to keep samba alive. The samba community's rallying cry reflects their dedication to maintaining this cultural expression that not only brings joy but also supports local business and community bonding. The situation remains critical as the samba schools strive for a revival, seeking a partnership with the city to reinstate their beloved parades and reignite the spirit of the carnival in Rio Preto.
