The first day of São Paulo's street pre-Carnival on Saturday (February 7, 2026) featured Ivete Sangalo's debut bloc drawing about 1.2 million people around Ibirapuera Park. Overcrowding caused show interruptions for safety, while heavy rain impacted later performances like Alceu Valença's. Authorities reported arrests for selling adulterated drinks and thefts.
São Paulo's street pre-Carnival kicked off with high energy on Saturday (February 7, 2026), spotlighting the Quem Pede, Pede bloc led by Ivete Sangalo. According to Police Military estimates, around 1.2 million revelers gathered near Ibirapuera Park in the city's south zone, marking the Bahia singer's debut in São Paulo's street carnivals. Ivete, who has led electric trios in Salvador since 1995, shared her excitement: “I've been eyeing São Paulo for a while, especially because the street carnival here has been strengthening beautifully”.
Overcrowding halted the show multiple times. Ivete stopped singing for up to 40 minutes to reorganize the crowd and ensure safety, addressing revelers: “It's packed, but it's nice. Let's stay still until everyone relaxes”. Later, she negotiated: “Let's meet in the middle. Security will let you get closer, but we must respect. We don't want anyone hurt”. The performance, starting around 8:20 a.m. and lasting about three hours, featured hits like Vampirinha, Macetando, Arerê, and Festa, with Pabllo Vittar joining for “Descontrolada”. At least ten people required medical attention due to the crowd.
Following that, Alceu Valença's Bicho Maluco Beleza bloc drew crowds in the same area but was disrupted by heavy rain causing flooding. The Climate Emergencies Management Center issued alerts for the east zone due to the Córrego Três Pontes overflow. The festivities continued with other blocos across the city, such as Amor Barato in Barra Funda and Arrianu Suassunga in Pinheiros.
Operation Carnival led to arrests: four men were detained for selling adulterated drinks at Ivete's bloc, and there were reports of cellphone thefts and a gold chain. The Police Military had warned against holding three major blocos simultaneously at Ibirapuera due to safety risks. The program includes 627 blocos citywide, expecting 16.5 million participants overall.
