The long-standing Samba de São Lázaro event has become embroiled in controversy following noise complaints from local residents, leading to its suspension and relocation efforts. Initially held at Largo de São Lázaro, the popular samba gathering faced scrutiny, prompting councilman Duda Sanches (União Brasil) to formalize complaints due to elevated sound levels troubling the neighborhood.
On November 23, 2024, the samba event was officially suspended, creating uncertainty for its supporters. A test event originally scheduled for December 6 succumbed to scheduling conflicts, leaving many devotees concerned about the future of this cherished tradition. To address the community's concerns, organizers began planning special editions of the samba event elsewhere. On December 4, 2024, the first of these special protest editions occurred at Largo da Tieta, located within the vibrant Pelourinho district.
Débora Araújo, the producer responsible for organizing the Tieta event, remarked, "We have been closely monitoring the Samba de São Lázaro, the various issues surrounding its location..." Recognizing the significance of the event to Salvador's cultural fabric, she added, "Although we've moved to different venues, our goal remains to preserve [the samba legacy] and find ways to accommodate everyone." The special edition took place from 7 PM to midnight and aimed to provide quality entertainment along with community involvement.
Despite the shift from the traditional venue, many samba enthusiasts like Denner DuBlack expressed nostalgia for its original location. "The Pelourinho is historic and holds great importance for Salvador. But we prefer the samba to occur at its place of tradition," he emphasized, stressing the need for both the original and new audiences to participate and appreciate samba culture.
Some vendors urgently advocate for the return of the event to its original location, asserting the economic benefits the samba brings to local businesses. Ygor Sacramento, who has seen first-hand the samba's impact, shared the sentiment: "The samba stimulates local trade; it emerged during the pandemic and has been important for community engagement and entertainment."
While some locals appreciated the spirit of the Pelourinho event, it wasn't without challenges. Various concerns about loud noise levels still lingered, illustrating the need for balance between preserving cultural events and minimizing disturbances to residents. Ed Lobo, who recently relocated to Salvador from Espírito Santo, reflected on the situation. "I wanted to experience the Samba de São Lázaro," he said, but lamented arriving too late for the last edition at its original location. "By the time I got there, it was already over, and I had to seek out other options for the night. I just wanted to feel the samba atmosphere".
Despite the challenges, the organizers remain committed to keeping the samba scene active and available to the public. The special event, priced affordably at R$ 20, featured comprehensive facilities such as medical services, event staff, restrooms, and lighting, aimed at enhancing the overall experience. Araújo emphasized, "Our intention is to keep the public engaged and offer them the samba they love without encroaching on anyone's comfort. It's not about appropriation of the name; it is truly about honoring the Samba de São Lázaro tradition."
The possibility of future samba editions at Largo da Tieta sparked interest among attendees. Araújo mentioned plans for additional events, contingent on audience reception. "We're eager to gauge how the audience responds today and if we could feasibly run more events, possibly on a bi-weekly or even weekly basis if the demand is there." She added, "We aim to cater to not just those who frequented the original location but also to attract new participants who appreciate samba as much as we do."
With the samba culture at the core of Salvador's identity, discussions continue around the potential for future samabas, fostering connections between individuals and communities, and sustaining the samba legacy amid transitional challenges. Residents and enthusiasts alike are sharing their thoughts, hoping to find common ground on how to best celebrate and preserve the samba tradition moving forward.