From free-seating grandstands to accessible boxes, people with disabilities have a guaranteed space in the Samba School Parade
Carnival is for everyone. Therefore, accessibility at the Sambadrome is an important point to ensure that no one misses out on the party. To check out the Samba School Parade, there are options ranging from free-admission spaces for people with disabilities (PWDs) at Sapucaí to fully comfortable private suites.
A total of three thousand tickets are distributed free of charge to people with disabilities and their companions by the Municipal Secretariat for People with Disabilities (SMPD). During the five days of parades at the Sapucaí, the secretariat is responsible for the Sector 13-PCD box seats, a 650m² space featuring audio description of the parades for visually impaired people, sign language interpreters for hearing-impaired people, and a TV set with subtitled versions of each samba school's theme song. The space for people with disabilities at Sapucaí also offers the distribution of custom T-shirts and transportation from Central do Brasil (Access A) to Sector 13 and vice versa via four vans.
“Carnival is synonymous with joy, with the freedom to be who we are. When the venue is not accessible, our freedom is effectively hindered,” commented businesswoman and influencer Rebeca Costa.
But to truly be a party for everyone, it is necessary to worry about being inclusive in every sense, offering different options for people with disabilities in Sapucaí. In this regard, the one that takes the lead is Camarote Folia Tropical, the only one that guarantees accessibility throughout its entire space.
In addition to elevators providing access to the three levels of the box, adapted entrance doors and restrooms, and reserved spaces with a view of the Samba School Parade, Folia was the first box to feature LIBRAS interpreters during the shows.
“I found myself again in the Folia Tropical box. I witnessed not only an accessible carnival, but a place of belonging filled by the celebration of diversity and humanity. It's no use being at the carnival and not being part of the party,” added Rebeca, who is also an ambassador for Folia Tropical.
