RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – A reinforced security structure, traffic changes and new rules for businesses: the September 7 holiday, the first since the end of stricter measures to fight the pandemic, should take on a different slant this year. With demonstrations scheduled in the main capitals, notably Brasilia and São Paulo, there should be changes in the flow of vehicles around locations with a higher concentration of people.
In São Paulo, President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters are expected to meet on Paulista Avenue. The demonstration should start at around 2 PM. The anti-government protest should take place in Anhangabaú Valley, in the central region.
Some 3,600 State Police officers will be deployed to the protest sites and at the entrances to subway stations. Paulista Avenue will be closed, as is customary on Sundays and holidays. President Jair Bolsonaro has not yet confirmed his participation in the São Paulo demonstration.
A strong security system has also been set up in Brasilia for the holiday. Police officers will search pedestrians on the Ministries Esplanade and the TV Tower. Traffic will also be blocked between the eastern ring road of central bus station and the 1st Military Fire Brigade as of midnight on Tuesday. On the Monument Axis, there will be roadblocks from Avenue W3 up to Funarte from 6 AM.
The pro-government demonstrators should concentrate on the Ministries Esplanade, while the opposing group will remain in the TV Tower area a short distance away. President Bolsonaro is expected to attend the traditional flag hoisting ceremony in Brasilia in the morning, when he will deliver a speech.
WHAT OPENS OR CLOSES
Throughout Brazil public services will be suspended during the holiday. Banks will also remain closed. In São Paulo, businesses will decide whether to open their stores. The same rule applies to lottery houses.
Below is a list of what will be open or closed on September 7:
Vaccination: no vaccination during the holiday, it will be resumed on Wednesday, 8.
Post Office, banks and the Stock Exchange: all will be closed.
Stores: the decision to open is left to store owners. Mask wearing and social distancing rules remain in effect.
INSS (Social Security) offices: closed.
Public transportation in São Paulo: as on other holidays, Sunday’s schedule is used.