The city of Maringá is gearing up for its 2025 Carnival, with extensive preparations underway to promote public health and awareness during the festive days. Starting with pre-Carnival activities, the Prefeitura de Maringá, through its Health and Youth, Citizenship and Migrants departments, organized special outreach sessions on February 28 at the Policlínica Zona Sul. The initiative aims to educate the community about the importance of combined prevention, particularly the usage of condoms and regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
During the event, the Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento (CTA) offered rapid testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C, alongside distributing prevention kits containing male and female condoms, lubricants, and HIV self-testing kits. Our goal is to make sure revelers enjoy Carnival safely, reinforcing health care and prevention measures against HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections, said Health Secretary Antônio Carlos Nardi. The program reflects the city's commitment to enhancing public health awareness during one of the most vibrant celebrations of the year.
Young people are at the heart of these outreach efforts. Sandra Franchini, the Secretary of Youth, Citizenship, and Migrants, noted the importance of youth participation. Active involvement from young people is fundamental for us to build a public health policy that's inclusive, welcoming, and effective. Our mission is to guarantee everyone has access to information, prevention, and care respectfully, she explained.
Moving to the main Carnival celebrations, the event at Vila Olímpica on March 1 and 2 will continue these health promotion efforts. The CTA team will again distribute free male and female condoms, lubricants, and HIV self-testing kits. Health professionals will provide guidance on combined prevention strategies, outlining the correct use of condoms and access to testing and treatment services within the municipal health network.
Importantly, this year's Carnival will feature the campaign 'Assédio não é Folia' (Harassment is Not Folly), spearheaded by the Department of Policies for Women. This initiative aims to raise awareness about sexual harassment, providing materials to educate the public about the means to report such incidents. The campaign will run during the festivities, particularly at Vila Olímpica, to bolster safety and respect for all attendees.
This initiative reminds the public of the city’s stance against inappropriate actions, which can include unwanted touching, hair pulling, and forced kisses. Reports can be filed through the Patrulha Maria da Penha by calling 153 or through the military police at 190, with dedicated teams from the Guarda Civil Municipal present to assist during the events.
Beyond health and safety measures, the city’s Carnival planning showcases collaboration among multiple municipal departments. The Department of Culture is responsible for organizing the event, whereas the Department of Public Safety ensures the safety of attendees with the help of municipal guards stationed throughout the festivities. The Mobility Urban Department oversees traffic flow around the event areas, whereas the Sports and Leisure Department manages the infrastructure at Vila Olímpica.
For children, the city has planned activities at the Parque do Japão, including face painting and mask-making, facilitated by the Child and Adolescent Department. Notably, the cleanliness of the outdoor spaces will be maintained by the Urban Cleaning Department before and after the events.
The 2025 Carnival program is packed with activities, running from February 28 to March 4, offering approximately 30 hours of entertainment featuring around 20 attractions. The event caters to all demographics and is structured to provide both fun and education, underscoring Maringá’s commitment to ensuring health and safety amid the revelry.
With such comprehensive preparations, Maringá’s Carnival 2025 promises not only to be festive but also to promote healthy practices, encouraging all participants to celebrate responsibly. Residents and visitors alike are urged to engage with these health initiatives to make this year’s Carnival both enjoyable and safe.