The grandiose Rio de Janeiro Carnival is now recognised as a Manifestation of National Culture by lawBrazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed two important bills into law for the Brazilian Carnival: Bill 1730/2024, which recognises Rio de Janeiro Carnival as a Manifestation of National Culture, and Bill 4187/2024, which establishes National Axé Music Day, to be celebrated annually on 17th February.
At the meeting, which brought together several authorities, Embratur’s President Marcelo Freixo emphasised that cultural, sporting, and musical events are also important tourist attractions, contributing to the dynamism of the economy and generating development for the country.
"With these sanctions, President Lula reinforces the appreciation of these important national heritages: Carnival and Axé Music. Last year, Brazil had the largest Carnival in history, with the participation of nearly 300,000 international tourists. We are surpassing all industry benchmarks in foreign tourist arrivals and, as a result, promoting the generation of ever more jobs and income through this activity. This is a movement that benefits the entire country", he celebrated.
Tourism Minister Celso Sabino commented about the importance of Carnival in promoting Brazil as a tourist destination. "President Lula instructed us in tourism, Marcelo Freixo and myself, to transform tourism in Brazil so that it could also be a major driver of economic development. And so it has been. Never before has so much been invested in cultural, artistic, and music events throughout the country, as we are now doing from north to south", he said.
The Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, also attended the ceremony and stated that the laws are very important because Carnival is a window that showcases the full power of Brazil. "It's a manifestation of the Brazilian people. Every Brazilian city has this celebration. Brazil is one of the countries recognised as having the most influential cultures in the world. During Carnival, the number of tourists to Brazil increases even more. We're talking about a success story. Brazilian Carnival is an example of success both domestically and internationally, and most importantly it's a time when thousands and thousands of people have the opportunity to improve their living conditions", she commented.
Bill 1730/2024
Bill 1730/2024, now approved as Law 15.188, was written by Federal MP Laura Carneiro (PSD-RJ) and seeks to value and protect the historical, social, and cultural importance of one of the most emblematic popular festivals in Brazil and the world, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, which also holds the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
"I wanted to say that Carnival isn't just that wonderful spectacle. Carnival is a cycle of the creative economy that runs year-round. And that's the importance of this bill", said Laura Carneiro.
Bill 4187/2024
Bill 4187/2024, now approved as Law 15.189, establishes National Axé Music Day, to be celebrated annually on February 17th. The proposal was written by Federal MP Lídice da Mata (PSB-BA) and seeks to recognise and value the cultural importance and influence of the musical genre that has become a symbol of Bahia and Brazil.
"Doing this alongside Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is an honour for us. Having people out on the streets listening to all kinds of music is, above all, a moment when the city becomes part of an infinite production chain. It's a creative economy in its veins," explained Lídice da Mata.
