Important source of income, public events in Brazil’s São Paulo return with restrictions

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The crowd-pleasing events that significantly impact São Paulo’s economy began in August, but the most important ones are scheduled for the end of the year.

In November and December, São Paulo will host 36 events, from trade shows and conventions to festivities such as Oktoberfest and an unprecedented Christmas Village.

Starting Monday, January 1, restriction standards for Covid-19 control will be relaxed, but basic rules such as the use of a mask and spacing will be maintained.

Certificates of vaccinations or tests performed in the last 48 hours will also be required in all cases.

Last year, the state lost R$7.3 billion (US$1.3 billion) in revenue from the suspension of events due to the pandemic for accommodation and recreation of fair participants alone, and R$670 million (US$1.6 billion) from the postponement of the Formula One Grand Prix.

According to organizers, the Interlagos Grand Prix, which will be held November 12-14, will again be held without spectator restrictions, and tickets, priced from R$325, are virtually sold out. Spectator numbers are expected to be higher than the 2019 race, bringing around 150,000 people to the track.

The economic impact of resumption of events is also expected to be greater, creating 8,500 temporary jobs. Oktoberfest, Campus Party, and Villa de Natal will require a combined 6,000 employees.

“The resumption of events is necessary for the economy,” says Walter Cavalheiro Filho, founder, and organizer of São Paulo Oktoberfest. According to him, “there is suppressed demand among people after spending a year and eight months without entertainment.” Less than 30 days before the event, 29,000 tickets were already sold at prices ranging from R$45 to R$180.

According to Cavalheiro, the event will create 1,500 jobs and provide more than 200 micro and small entrepreneurs opportunities to exhibit and sell their products.

In its fourth edition, Oktoberfest will be held in an area of 22,000 square meters in the southern part of São Paulo and will have a ceiling of 6,000 people per day, although the permit allows up to 15,000. It will be held from November 25 to December 12 (always from Thursday to Sunday).

Since the first edition, the number of visitors has doubled, from 49,000 people in 2017 to 102,000 in 2019, and since there will be control this year, 72,000 participants are expected.

The investment is R$22 million, compared to R$16 million in 2019. Ambev, Aurora, Cepera, Grupo Vamos, Movida and CBCA (Companhia Brasileira de Cervejas Artesanais) have already announced their sponsorship.

BAR AT HEIGHTS

Among the innovations of the German Village that will be installed in the space is the “Bar in the Heights.” A structure with tables and chairs that can seat 16 people will be lifted by a crane 60 meters into the air, allowing a broad view of the surrounding area. There will also be typical food and dances, unique beers, and shows by Tiago Abravanel and Paulo Ricardo.

São Paulo will also host an unprecedented event inspired by European Christmas celebrations. The Christmas Villa will bring Santa’s house, Santa’s hut, and a 65-meter tree to Villa Lobos Park – the traditional tree in Ibirapuera Park is usually 42 meters high.