Manaus welcomed the New Year with vibrant celebrations and enhanced security operations to provide festivities for its residents and visitors. The city’s New Year's Eve, which transitioned from 2024 to 2025, was marked by peaceful events at key locations, particularly at the Largo de São Sebastião. This year, the Government of Amazonas emphasized not just security but also accessibility for all, including individuals with disabilities, ensuring everyone could celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
According to the Secretary of Justice, Human Rights, and Citizenship (Sejusc), Jussara Pedrosa, this annual event is now highlighted on the festive calendar of the state. "Surely 2025 will be a wonderful year," she asserted, underscoring the collaborative efforts of different government departments. More than 400 people received guidance on various rights during the celebrations, reflecting the administration's commitment to promoting human rights.
This year’s festivities included music performances, educational activities, and spaces designated for people with disabilities. Ana Lúcia Rodrigues, who celebrated with her son Marlon de Azevedo, who has autism, expressed her joy at the accessible offerings. "I came to spend New Year's together here and we will always be united," she said, highlighting the importance of inclusion.
To uphold safety during these celebrations, the city deployed the Operation Réveillon Seguro. The initiative, launched by the Department of Transit of Amazonas (Detran-AM), aimed to reduce traffic violations and promote public safety. This operation proved effective, with 94 drivers being apprehended for driving under the influence of alcohol. Arthur Cruz, the coordinator of Detran-AM, stated, "The main goal of the operation was to inhibit and curb traffic violations," reinforcing the seriousness of these safety efforts.
The operation involved more than just sobriety checkpoints. Overall, Detran-AM conducted 1,457 traffic checks, resulting in 807 infractions logged, including motorcycle riders without helmets and drivers lacking proper documentation. The campaign also focused on identifying reckless driving behaviors, leading to the removal of numerous vehicles and motorcycles engaged in illegal activity.
Despite these infractions, the overall consensus from the integrated security forces was positive. Reports indicate the celebrations remained largely incident-free, with only minor disturbances being logged. "During the New Year celebrations, the events were peaceful and with no incidents at all," noted local law enforcement officials, adding to the success of their operational planning.
To maintain order, the Police, Fire Department, and local enforcement agencies collaborated closely at various sites throughout Manaus. The integration helped mitigate crime and keep neighborhoods safe, particularly during peak hours of celebration.
The atmosphere was not only festive but also family-oriented. Children and adolescents had free entry to enjoy dedicated performances and interactive activities, creating joyful memories for families. This aspect of inclusivity received positive feedback from parents, many of whom echoed Ana Lúcia’s sentiments about the unobtrusive celebrations, enabling children to enjoy the fun without overwhelming sensory overload.
Overall, the success of Manaus's New Year's Eve celebrations, combined with the diligent efforts of local authorities to safeguard the community, has laid down strong expectations for future public events. The desire for increased accessibility and enhanced rights for all its residents stands clear as the city prepares for another year of growth, inclusion, and resilience.