RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Rio de Janeiro state scientific committee approved the fireworks display at the Copacabana Beach New Year’s Eve celebrations. On Thursday, December 9, Mayor Eduardo Paes and Governor Claudio Castro will announce if and how there will be any official end-of-year celebrations.
The city’s scientific committee had authorized the celebrations, but the State’s committee was opposed. However, on Monday, Paes and Castro requested their respective committees to assess the feasibility of a fireworks display and speakers on the beach, with no live shows. The final decision authorizing fireworks will be released on Thursday.
Paes’ reversal on Saturday led to many complaints and irony among those who follow the Mayor on social media. “Just to understand, Dudu. The city contract with Covid-19 forbids the presence of the virus in crowds with fireworks, or is boot-licking gringos in beach hotels more important than the health of the people crowded around the beach?” someone asked.
Others also defended the fireworks. “Have the fireworks at Christ the Redeemer, at Penha Church and Sugarloaf Mountain. That way, the fireworks can be seen from all across the city!” another suggested.