The traditional carnival block in Socorro (SP) exceeded expectations with sold-out tickets and a hang glider on the streets, while the city welcomed 110,000 people during festivities.
The Tourist Block took to the streets of Socorro this Sunday (15) and gathered around 1,500 revelers, surpassing organizers’ expectations. This year’s novelty was bringing a hang glider and a mini paraglider to the parade, representing the adventure activities that made the Tourist Resort famous in the Paulista Water Circuit.
With the “Carbon Neutral” theme, the block reinforced its commitment to sustainability, offsetting carbon emissions generated during carnival. Adventure and rural tourism enterprises actively participated, bringing memorable experiences close to nature to the city center.
Carnival boosts local economy
During the festivities, Socorro welcomed over 110,000 people including residents and tourists. According to Tourism Secretary Gê Barros, hotel occupancy reached nearly 100%, demonstrating the event’s strength for the local economy.
This year the Tourist Block exceeded expectations with almost 1,500 tickets sold and lots of interaction between tourism businesses and participants. One of the novelties was bringing a hang glider and a mini paraglider to the street, representing our adventure activities and always seeking to innovate Ronaldo Silva, ASTUR president
The event was structured in an integrated way between municipal departments, with programming organized by the Culture Department and support from Tourism, Security, Health and Services departments. COMTUR (Municipal Tourism Council) and ASTUR (Tourism Association) also collaborated in the organization.
“Socorro is prepared to receive more than 110,000 people with security, structure and responsibility. We reinforced policing, expanded the Municipal Guard and organized our hospital network. Carnival moves the economy, strengthens tourism and generates opportunities,” states Mayor Mauricio de Oliveira Santos.
Tradition that started as a joke
The Tourist Block has existed since 2006 and was born from a joke with tourists who wanted to participate in Socorro’s Carnival parade. Initially, the block was one of the wings of the Falange Samba School, but over time it gained large proportions, becoming one of the city’s largest carnival blocks.
For COMTUR president Jaqueline Franco, the block is a city tradition. The entire tourism trade and hotel network mobilize for ticket sales and to transform carnival into an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Culture Secretary Mantovani Neto highlights that Socorro’s carnival maintains its family character with traditional marches and matinees for children, plus lively musical programming. Carna Folia featured free matinees and toys, shows, samba school parade and open parties.
Today, the block is organized by the Socorro Tourism Association (ASTUR) in partnership with COMTUR.
Photo: Disclosure
