An analysis by Mariana Aldrigui, a tourism policy professor at USP, suggests that the attendance at major Carnival events in São Paulo is much lower than previously estimated by event organizers. Specifically, while organizers estimated that 2 million people attended the 'Pipoca da Rainha' block led by Daniela Mercury, true attendance peaked around 20,000. Similarly, for the Sertanejinho block led by Michel Teló, the attendance was approximately 21,000, in stark contrast to pre-event claims of 1 million by the singer's team.

The findings raise questions about the validity of attendance figures often reported during Brazil’s Carnival, which is known for drawing large crowds. While the numbers appear significantly lower, Aldrigui asserts that the experiences of attendees in crowded areas do not equate to failure; the vibrant atmosphere can still be felt by those present. Nonetheless, these discrepancies may have implications for future planning and expectations for Carnival events, which are crucial for local tourism and economy during the festive season.

This analysis highlights the importance of accurate data collection during significant events to avoid misleading claims that can affect public perception and experiences. Correctly assessing attendance can help event organizers and local businesses recalibrate their expectations and improve resource allocation for upcoming celebrations.