Brazil: Sao Paulo Carnival indefinitely postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic

Brazilian city of Sao Paulo indefinitely postponed its 2021 carnival on Saturday, July 25 due COVID-19 pandemic. Sao Paulo Carnival is an annual festival that prides performers clad in costumes showcasing Brazilian culture. However, as Brazil recorded more than 2.3 million cases of vel coronavirus cases and over 85,000 fatalities, authorities decided to cancel event to avoid public garing.  

As per international media reports, Sao Paulo Mayor Bru Covas, in a news conference, said that samba schools and carnival 'blocos' street parties understand it's t viable to organise parade in February next year.

Read: Brazil, Argentina Witnesses Record Number Of Cases As Latin America Exceeds 4 Mn Mark

Sao Paulo’s carnival attracts thousands of people to sourn city which has unfortunately turned out to be one of worst-hit cities in Brazil, accounting for one-fourth of entire country’s fatalities, as reports. 

Moreover, Rio de Janeiro carnival is also reported to be mulling on suspension of year's event in view of COVID-19 pandemic.  

Read: Galleries Shut By COVID-19, Brazil Has A Drive-thru Art Show

New Year's Eve celebration cancelled

Rio de Janeiro is reported to have cancelled New Year's Eve celebrations due to COVID-19 pandemic.  festival attracts over 3 million people every year as is an important source of tourism revenue.

RioTur, a municipal travel ncy was quoted by ANI as saying, “With regard to New Year Eve, traditional model that we kw and have practiced for years, as well as carnival, will be impossible during pandemic without a vaccine”.

company stated that it will explore alternatives such as organising a smaller scale celebration, or a virtual event with a traditional fireworks display.  

Read: Brazil Begins Phase-III Trails Of Chinese COVID-19 Vaccine On Volunteering Health Workers

Read: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro Tests COVID-19 Positive For Third Time