The Carnival of 2025, set for March 3 and 4, is poised to disrupt services for approximately 4,500 agencies of the Caixa Econômica Federal across Brazil, affecting millions of customers reliant on face-to-face banking. This interruption follows the Central Bank's Resolution CMN Nº 4.880, which designates these days as national bank holidays, halting public service on the celebratory days. Services will resume on Ash Wednesday, March 5, at noon, albeit with reduced hours from 12 PM to 4 PM, complicATING routine operations like withdrawals, deposits, and direct consultations.
Caixa, which manages 146 million accounts—including social benefits like Bolsa Família and FGTS—urges customers to utilize digital channels such as the Caixa app and PIX, which remain operational 24/7. Meanwhile, lottery outlets have the discretion to decide on their operating hours based on local demand. The impending closure necessitates advance planning, particularly for those needing cash or face-to-face service. Approximately 40 million social program beneficiaries may find their usual access disrupted by the closures.
The anticipated suspension of Caixa's 4,500 branches reflects long-standing practices within Brazil's banking sector, commonly treating Carnival as a public holiday for decades. By 2025, these closures are expected to have direct repercussions on service access, reinforcing the need to pivot to digital banking platforms, evidenced by PIX's processing of over 1 billion transactions during holiday periods as recently as 2024.
Last year’s Carnival resulted in compounded delays, with 10 million TED transfers postponed until the next business day. This pattern suggests similar challenges for 2025. The reopening of Caixa branches on Ash Wednesday at noon may lead to surges of customers grappling with overdue services, potentially overwhelming already-limited staffing. Historically, customer volume has spiked by around 30% on post-Carnival days due to accumulated demands, especially noticeable in tourist hubs such as Rio de Janeiro and Salvador.
The preparation for Carnival 2025 also extends to law enforcement, which is ramping up security measures amid rising concerns over crime. With expectations of nearly 6 million attendees between February 1 and March 9, the Rio de Janeiro police are stepping up patrols and implementing technology such as facial recognition cameras to combat thefts and scams. Incidents of mobile theft, fraud, and other crimes rose significantly during previous festivities, with 3,362 recorded mobile thefts and 5,695 cases of fraud reported during February 2024 alone, showcasing increases of 15% and 28%, respectively, compared to the year prior.
Authorities are particularly concerned about specific scams prevalent during Carnival, including the 'kiss scam,' where criminals distract victims with affectionate gestures to steal belongings, and the 'Goodnight Cinderella,' which involves incapacitating drinks. The police are intensifying their presence across hotspots such as Copacabana and Ipanema, where robbers target unwary revelers. The implementation of the 190 RJ app—available in multiple languages—facilitates quick emergency calls and aids police patrols concentrated on high traffic areas.
According to Colonel Marcelo de Menezes, Secretary of State, empowering event security requires both visible police presence and the integration of new technologies. Despite these efforts, individual vigilance among festival-goers remains key—folks are advised to avoid accepting drinks from strangers and to keep their valuables secure amid the lively crowds.
Historically, the city has recognized Carnival as both a vibrant celebration and as one rife with risk. The introduction of formal police measures has paralleled the growth of street festivities, especially since the early 2000s. Most recently, facial recognition systems deployed during the last Carnival identified 50 suspects, illustrating the potential for these resources to significantly impact crime detection and prevention during major events.
Notably, the surge of digital banking offers alternatives for those affected by the Caixa branch closures, as millions embrace electronic transactions through apps like Caixa and services like PIX. Roughly 30% of Caixa's clientele opted for digital services during past extended holiday periods, using innovations developed to ease the pressure of physical banking closures. With the overwhelming volume expected during Carnival, this adaptive strategy could provide key services to customers who otherwise may find themselves stranded without access to funds.
Overall, Carnival 2025 presents not only moments of joy for attendees but significant challenges for those providing services and maintaining safety. From banking adjustments to increased police vigilance, preparations are underway to mitigate the impacts of what promises to be one of Brazil's largest and most celebrated events.