Belotur, the municipal tourism company of Belo Horizonte, announced that no payments were made to major artists for the local Carnival and highlighted the success of Marina Sena's performance that exceeded attendance expectations.
During a press conference, Belotur, the municipal tourism company of Belo Horizonte, clarified that there were no payments made for performances by renowned artists during the Carnival celebrations. Instead, approximately R$ 6 million was allocated as subsidies for samba schools, caricature blocks, and street blocks. The president of Belotur, Eduardo Cruvinel, emphasized that there were no municipal funds used to hire major national artists this year.
Cruvinel pointed out that the funds were directed entirely towards supporting local and grassroots festivities rather than securing famous artists. The decision to redirect financial resources was likely a move to promote local culture and support community-driven events. He confirmed that the public was engaged, as evidenced by the strong attendance at performances, particularly that of Marina Sena, which surpassed crowd estimates, showing a significant interest in the festival.
The discussion about funding and support for the Carnival reflects broader trends in Brazilian festivals, where the balance between local cultural promotion and large-scale commercial events continues to evolve. With the choice to prioritize local acts over big-name performers, Belo Horizonte’s Carnival aims not only to foster local talent but also to nurture community spirit among its residents and visitors alike.
