Salvador Ends Carnival with Delays, Block Disputes, and Crowded Streets
The city of Salvador concludes its Carnival festivities with significant attendance despite delays and organizational issues.
Salvador has wrapped up its Carnival festivities this Tuesday after six days of celebrations, marked by delays in parades and issues with broken electric trios, amidst crowds of revelers. Over nine million people took part in the events, held across major circuits like Dodรด, Osmar, and Batatinha, according to the state's security department's facial recognition system. Despite the overwhelming turnout, organizational problems were evident, particularly in the popular Barra-Ondina circuit, which saw its peak attendance last Saturday.
The mayor of Salvador, Bruno Reis, ruled out the possibility of establishing an additional circuit for Carnival during his term, which lasts until 2028. The event experienced a notable hiccup on Saturday when the Afro block Olodum crossed a narrow section of the Morro do Cristo, leading to a recommendation from the military police to shut off the sound - this resulted in cascading delays for the subsequent electric trios. Late starts have also been a contributing factor to the overall chaos during the festive week, as crowd dynamics and logistical management struggled to keep pace with the high number of participants.
The long-standing tradition of Carnival in Salvador is both a celebration of culture and a logistical challenge, particularly with the increasing number of attendees each year. The city's preparations and responses to issues during such a massive gathering are critical in shaping the future of these festivities. As local authorities reflect on this year's challenges, there will likely be discussions about improving infrastructure and planning to ensure a smoother experience for both participants and residents during future Carnivals.