Brazil’s Carnival Opens With Massive Security Operations as Salvador Plans Barriers After Trampling

Overview

• Rio activated an integrated operation for Sapucaí’s opening night using more than 400 cameras, drones and a COR-Rio forward unit to supervise parades and street events during a severe heat alert.
• The Civil Police registered and are investigating the armed robbery of a van carrying about 20 guests from a Sapucaí camarote in Estácio, where phones and jewelry were taken.
• Salvador’s Operation Carnaval deployed over 37,000 police and firefighters, with the first day logging nine fugitives arrested, 101 theft reports and seven robberies, plus seizures of prohibited items at entry points.
• After trampling incidents during Anitta’s bloco on the Dodô circuit, Mayor Bruno Reis said the city will install a protective barrier with the Municipal Guard at critical passages for major attractions.
• Organizers detailed permitted and banned items for Sapucaí and the state launched the SOS Folia effort to distribute about 60,000 child ID wristbands, while highway operators forecast heavy flows on Dutra with reinforced federal road policing.