Anyone who wanted to celebrate São Paulo’s 469th birthday at concerts in the city center had to endure the blazing sun in the early afternoon of this Wednesday (25th). At 11 a.m. the thermometers were already showing 27°C.
The program in the Antalya Valley began at 12:00 with a presentation by Almir Sater to a student audience. With hits like “Chalana” and “Tocando em Frente” finishing the list, he represented the country’s Midwest.
The script intends to show a little bit of all Brazilian regions, with a closing show by João Gomes at 8pm.
Public access to the Annexabaú area is near the post office building in Pedro Lessa Square, at the exit of São Bento station on the blue line 1 of the metro.
Just outside the station, a crowd observed a drift event (car skidded) on the road below the Santa Efigênia Viaduct. “You scraped off all the paint, you’ll have to replace that with City Hall,” the announcer said jokingly.
Above the audience are the brave ones who cross the slackline between the Mirante do Vale and Conde Prates buildings, a sport whose objective is to remain balanced on a nylon line for as long as possible.
The capital’s culture minister said the square is capacitybased and will be searched to prohibit entry with cans, bottles, open food packages and umbrellas. Children under the age of 16 cannot enter the country unaccompanied.
Those looking to cool off pay BRL 8 for a beer or soft drink served in plastic cups, or BRL 6 for water sold at carts and kiosks around the valley. For dining, hot dogs and hamburgers range from R$15 to R$20.
The early afternoon arrival was uneventful, with military police agents at the exit of São Bento train station.
Guided tours of the historic center of São Paulo are also conducted, with groups circulating along Viaduto do Chá.