São Paulo's Public Prosecutor's Office announced an investigation into the overcrowding at pre-Carnival megablocks on Consolação Street on February 8, which led to tumults and medical treatments. Experts criticize planning failures by the city hall, while Mayor Ricardo Nunes downplays the incident as a success.
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, two pre-Carnival megablocks on Consolação Street in central São Paulo caused overcrowding and confusion. The Skol block, featuring DJ Calvin Harris, and Acadêmicos do Baixo Augusta overlapped due to delays, leading to revelers pressed against protective grates. The street, about 40 meters wide and surrounded by buildings, could not handle the estimated 1.5 million people, according to Governor Tarcísio de Freitas.
The Fire Department treated 30 people on site with no serious referrals, while the city hall reported five cases taken to hospitals, all released. At 2:55 p.m., Mayor Ricardo Nunes' (MDB) administration activated a contingency plan, opening parallel streets and blocking access. The Military Police created escape routes to prevent stampedes.
Crowd management experts, like Moacyr Duarte, highlight planning failures: underestimation of attendance, lack of monitoring, and insufficient escape areas. "The planning failed to maintain the projected density," said Duarte, who coordinated events like Lollapalooza. USP researcher Mariana Aldrighi criticized the underdimensioning of facilities and barriers. Insper's Sandro Cabral stated: "It's obvious people could have died".
Nunes downplayed the incident on Monday, February 9, saying the blocks were not simultaneous and infrastructure ensured safety. In a statement, the city hall called the event a "success," announcing agents inside blocks for future parades. São Paulo's Public Prosecutor's Office will open an inquiry through the Housing and Urbanism Court. Before the event, Folha had warned of risks, but Nunes assured sufficient structure.
