With Carnaval just around the corner, the city of Campos is already gearing up for the festivities, preparing both its public services and community programs to cater to the influx of visitors and celebrants. From February 27 to March 10, 2025, the popular sports program "Esporte é Vida / Movimento é Vida" will take a break to allow for the holiday. This program, which includes around 30 different sports and exercise activities such as futsal, ballet, jiu-jitsu, and more, emphasizes inclusivity and is open to the community from age six and up.
According to Secretary of Public Services, Simone Muniz, this year’s Carnaval preparation features increased efforts to keep the surroundings clean and safe. Highlighting the expansive services planned, she explained, "Fizemos uma programação de atendimento bem intensa. Vamos ter equipes na parte da manhã, da tarde e na parte noite, especialmente em Farol, por conta dos eventos que são simultâneos" (We’ve made an intense service programming. We will have teams in the morning, afternoon, and night, especially at Farol due to the simultaneous events). The focus will include areas across the entire municipality, enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors.
Muniz is enthusiastic about the upcoming efforts, dubbed the "Bloco da Limpeza," urging festival-goers to dispose of waste responsibly, particularly sharp items like glass bottles. She remarked, "Contamos com a colaboração de todos também" (We count on everyone's collaboration as well) to promote recycling and proper waste disposal during this festive period. She assured the public, "A coleta de lixo domiciliar permanece normal durante todo o Carnaval" (Household waste collection will remain normal throughout Carnaval). This proactive measure ensures cleanliness aligns with the festivities, preserving the public spaces where celebrations will occur.
Alongside these initiatives, the Secretária Municipal de Assistência Social e Direitos Humanos (SMASDH) is rolling out several awareness campaigns aimed at combating child abuse, racism, and sexual harassment. Aline Pontes, Secretary of Social Assistance and Human Rights, indicated the special focus on children's rights, stating, "Nossa prioridade é assegurar um ambiente mais seguro durante o Carnaval e em todas as épocas do ano" (Our priority is to secure a safer environment during Carnaval and throughout the year).
The awareness campaign will display messages along heavy foot traffic areas, including the Rua Joaquim Thomaz de Aquino Filho. Key phrases will address pressing social issues, such as “Brinque o Carnaval sem brincar com os direitos da criança e do adolescente” (Celebrate Carnaval without violating children's rights) and “Racismo não é opinião, nem piada, é crime” (Racism is not opinion, nor joke, it's crime). Messages also highlight anti-harassment and inclusivity, echoing the sentiment, “Respeite as monas, as minas e as manas, Carnaval é diversidade” (Respect everyone; Carnaval is diversity).
Pontes emphasized the importance of ensuring safe spaces and transparency, saying, “E temos uma novidade. Pela primeira vez, vamos fazer uma campanha também contra discriminação racial” (And we have news. For the first time, we will run a campaign against racial discrimination). The campaigns will provide not only information but also resources for reporting and assistance. Teams on the ground are prepared to hand out materials informing attendees of their options should they witness or experience abuse.
Another significant measure during the festivities is the establishment of identification points for children. From February 28 through March 4, parents can visit the Procon office located on Rua São Benedito, where children will receive wristbands with their names and parents’ contact information to facilitate quick reunions if any get lost. Mayck Lalanga, Director of Childhood and Adolescence, stated, "O objetivo principal é garantir a segurança e a rápida localização de crianças que se perderem dos responsáveis" (The main objective is to guarantee the safety and quick location of children who get separated from their guardians).
All these endeavors underline the city's comprehensive approach to ensuring public safety and enrichment during Carnaval. Through public services and dedicated campaigns, Campos aims to create not only joyous celebrations but also secure spaces where respect and responsibility are the focal points.
Community involvement is highlighted throughout the preparations, with organizers urging local residents and visitors alike to contribute to the efforts of maintaining clean and safe surroundings during this vibrant time. For those witnessing any violations of children’s rights or other offenses, the SMASDH has provided contact numbers, including the Disque 100 and the local council, ensuring accessibility and responsiveness throughout the holiday.