Researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) have estimated that the actual attendance at the Pipoca da Rainha carnival block, led by singer Daniela Mercury, was about 20,000 people. This figure starkly contrasts with the 2 million attendees claimed by the event's organizers. The study, conducted by Professor Mariana Aldrigui and her team in collaboration with the Political Debate Monitor, utilized a methodology consistent with those applied in previous studies of political events in Brazil.

The discrepancy highlights the importance of accurate attendance counts, as such data can guide resource allocation and security measures for public events. Inaccurate estimates can lead to significant challenges in managing crowd control and safety. The researchers advocate for better methodologies to ensure realistic assessments of crowd sizes at large public gatherings, acknowledging that the numbers reported by event organizers can often be inflated.

This situation raises broader concerns regarding transparency and accountability in public event planning, especially at large scale carnivals that attract millions. It emphasizes the need for cooperation between event organizers and academic researchers to provide accurate information that is essential for public safety and effective urban planning.