By William Jones, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Representatives from The Dream Factory, Antarctica and Riotur, organizers of the world famous week-long street Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, announced that there will be increased availability of public toilets for partygoers on the streets of the city during the event.
Organizer promise this year’s Carnival will feature an additional 33 percent of bathroom facilities at the disposal of revelers, a considerable increase from the 16,200 toilets that were available across the city in 2013’s event. Over 21,596 bathrooms, a figure that includes almost 5,000 urinals, will be on offer at 9,200 locations for the city’s blocos, lively street parties.
The calls to increase the availability of public restrooms during the event intensified after several complained of waiting in line for up to forty minutes to use the washroom at Copacabana’s legendary New Year’s Eve celebration. Waiting time for revelers during Carnival is expected to decrease with these changes.
In 2013, according to data from Riotur, part of the city’s Tourism Department, Carnival attracted about 5.3 million partygoers, of which 1.2 million were tourists. The Special Secretary of Tourism, Antônio Pedro Figueira de Mello, told O Globo that it was of the highest importance that the city is prepared for the number of people descending on the city.
“With the party receiving that number of visitors, we have to be organized and well-planned,” the secretary affirmed. The city’s organizers have also made plans for access to emergency medical teams and improved traffic systems.
Duda Magellan, CEO of Dream Factory, one of the key organizers of the last four Carnivals, emphasized that the organization of the blocos is paramount to the success of the event but acknowledged that there are certain parts of the fun that will take care of itself.
“Our biggest concern is that Carnival is remembered as a great party for meeting people and the gathering of revelers. This is a mega event, spontaneity of the blocos is guaranteed,” he said.
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