Latest news with #beachculture
New York Times
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
New Rules Could End the Beautiful Chaos of Rio's Beaches
Visuals by Dado Galdieri and Jack Nicas Text by Jack Nicas On the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, just about anything you need will come to sand has long been an open-air, democratic come down from poor, hillside neighborhoods to sell chairs and umbrellas, grilled meat and beer, soccer balls and swimsuits. The vendors — with their colorful outfits and creative calls for attention — have become part of the Rio beach flow can be incessant, but they are part of the show. Now that may be changing. Rio's mayor has issued a decree to regulate the city's 30 miles of coastline, including rules on vendors, music and the beach's aesthetic. Many residents fear that will change Rio's beach culture as they know it. Up and down Rio's coast, 600 'barracas,' tarp-and-pole beach stalls, rent chairs and umbrellas and sell coconuts and caipirinhas, Brazil's national structures are erected every morning and disassembled every night. The barracas have long added colorful flair to the coastline, with creative advertisements and distinctive flags. But under the new rules, which went into effect this month, the barracas must remove all flags and use standardized black-and-white signs, with the same font and size. The result is a lifeless, monotone aesthetic — the opposite of the vibrant, diverse scene that Rio's beaches are known for. Rio's mayor, Eduardo Paes, said the move was meant to prevent 'visual pollution' that was 'turning Rio de Janeiro's greatest asset and greatest landscape into a real mess.'City leaders say the black-and-white design might be temporary if officials can agree on an alternative. Few beachgoers like it. The decree also requires beach vendors to obtain licenses, something few have, and prohibits any items used to prepare food, including gas canisters, charcoal, wooden skewers and styrofoam means an effective ban on some of Rio's most famous beach foods: boiled corn, skewered shrimp and barbecued meat and cheese. Some vendors have already been fined, and others have been scared off by the new rules. But enforcement has been mixed. Vendors said the work represented one of their only options to make a living. Many said they could make $10 to $100 a day, depending on the weather. Eduardo Cavaliere, Rio's vice mayor, said in an interview that the rules were necessary to impose some order to a sometimes chaotic he said the city would seek ways to keep many vendors on the beach. The city has tried similar rules in years past. Mr. Paes once threatened to bar sellers of maté, or iced tea, who carry metal tanks of the drink around their necks. The mayor backed off after a backlash. Instead, he made maté sellers some of the only licensed vendors on the beach.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
No more samba on the strand? Rio de Janeiro to limit live music on the beaches
RIO DE JANEIRO — RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — If you have been to Rio de Janeiro' beaches, this probably sounds familiar: samba music drifting from a nearby kiosk, caipirinha cocktails sold by hawkers, chairs sprawled across the sand. Now that may become harder to find, unless the vendors have the right permits. Mayor Eduardo Paes issued a decree in mid-May establishing new rules for the city's waterfront saying he wants to preserve urban order, public safety and the environment, as well as promote peaceful relations between tourists and residents. The new measures are due to come into force on June 1, and they outlaw food and drink sales, chair rentals, loudspeakers and even live music in kiosks without official permits. Also, beach huts will only be allowed to have a number rather than the often-creative names many are currently known by. Some have welcomed the move to tackle what they perceive as chaotic activity on the beach, but others say the decree threatens Rio's dynamic beach culture and the livelihoods of many musicians and local vendors who may find it difficult or impossible to get permits. The move to regulate music on Rio's beachfronts has particularly struck a nerve. 'It's difficult to imagine Rio de Janeiro without bossa nova, without samba on the beach,' said Julio Trindade, who works as a DJ in the kiosks. 'While the world sings the Girl from Ipanema, we won't be able to play it on the beach.' The restrictions on music amounts to 'silencing the soul of the waterfront. It compromises the spirit of a democratic, musical, vibrant, and authentic Rio,' Orla Rio, a concessionaire who manages more than 300 kiosks, said in a statement. Can this be stopped or changed? Some are seeking ways to stop the implementation of the decree or at least modify it to allow live music without a permit. But so far to little avail. The nonprofit Brazilian Institute of Citizenship, which defends social and consumer rights, filed a lawsuit last week requesting the suspension of the articles restricting live music, claiming that the measure compromises the free exercise of economic activity. A judge ruled that the group is not a legitimate party to present a complaint, and the nonprofit is appealing the decision. Also last week, Rio's municipal assembly discussed a bill that aims to regulate the use of the coastline, including beaches and boardwalks. It backs some aspects of the decree such as restricting amplified music on the sand but not the requirement that kiosks have permits for live musicians. The proposal still needs to formally be voted on, and it's not clear if that will happen before June 1. If approved, the bill will take precedence over the decree. Economic activity on Rio's beaches, excluding kiosks, bars and restaurants, generates an estimated 4 billion reais (around $710 million) annually, according to a 2022 report by Rio's City Hall. Millions of foreigners and locals hit Rio's beaches every year and many indulge in sweet corn, grilled cheese or even a bikini or electronic devices sold by vendors on the sprawling sands. Local councilwoman Dani Balbi lashed out against the bill on social media. 'What's the point of holding big events with international artists and neglecting the people who create culture every day in the city?' she said last week on Instagram, in reference to the huge concerts by Lady Gaga earlier this month and Madonna last year. 'Forcing stallholders to remove the name of their businesses and replace it with numbers compromises the brand identity and the loyalty of customers, who use that location as a reference,' Balbi added. Anger, fear and sadness News of the decree seeking to crack down on unregistered hawkers provoked ripples of anger and fear among peddlers. 'It's tragic,' said Juan Marcos, a 24-year-old who sells prawns on sticks on Copacabana beach and lives in a nearby favela, or low-income urban community. 'We rush around madly, all to bring a little income into the house. What are we going to do now?' City Hall doesn't give enough permits to hawkers on the beach, said Maria de Lourdes do Carmo, 50, who heads the United Street Vendors' Movement — known by its acronym MUCA. 'We need authorizations, but they're not given,' said Lourdes do Carmo, who is known as Maria of the Street Vendors. The city government did not respond to a request for the number of authorizations given last year. Following the outcry, the city government emphasized that some rules were already in place in a May 21 statement. The town hall added that it is talking to all affected parties to understand their demands and is considering adjustments. Maria Lucia Silva, a 65-year-old resident of Copacabana who was walking back from the seafront with a pink beach chair under her arm, said she had been expecting City Hall to act. 'Copacabana is a neighborhood for elderly people (… ). Nobody pays a very high property tax or absurd rents to have such a huge mess,' Silva said, slamming the noise and pollution on the beach. For Rebecca Thompson, 53, who hails from Wales and was again visiting Rio after a five-week trip last year, the frenzy is part of the charm. 'There's vibrancy, there's energy. For me, there's always been a strong sense of community and acceptance. I think it would be very sad if that were to go,' she said. Eléonore Hughes, The Associated Press
The Independent
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
No more samba on the strand? Rio de Janeiro to limit live music on the beaches
If you have been to Rio de Janeiro' beaches, this probably sounds familiar: samba music drifting from a nearby kiosk, caipirinha cocktails sold by hawkers, chairs sprawled across the sand. Now that may become harder to find, unless the vendors have the right permits. Mayor Eduardo Paes issued a decree in mid-May establishing new rules for the city's waterfront saying he wants to preserve urban order, public safety and the environment, as well as promote peaceful relations between tourists and residents. The new measures are due to come into force on June 1, and they outlaw food and drink sales, chair rentals, loudspeakers and even live music in kiosks without official permits. Also, beach huts will only be allowed to have a number rather than the often-creative names many are currently known by. Some have welcomed the move to tackle what they perceive as chaotic activity on the beach, but others say the decree threatens Rio's dynamic beach culture and the livelihoods of many musicians and local vendors who may find it difficult or impossible to get permits. The move to regulate music on Rio's beachfronts has particularly struck a nerve. 'It's difficult to imagine Rio de Janeiro without bossa nova, without samba on the beach,' said Julio Trindade, who works as a DJ in the kiosks. 'While the world sings the Girl from Ipanema, we won't be able to play it on the beach.' The restrictions on music amounts to 'silencing the soul of the waterfront. It compromises the spirit of a democratic, musical, vibrant, and authentic Rio,' Orla Rio, a concessionaire who manages more than 300 kiosks, said in a statement. Can this be stopped or changed? Some are seeking ways to stop the implementation of the decree or at least modify it to allow live music without a permit. But so far to little avail. The nonprofit Brazilian Institute of Citizenship, which defends social and consumer rights, filed a lawsuit last week requesting the suspension of the articles restricting live music, claiming that the measure compromises the free exercise of economic activity. A judge ruled that the group is not a legitimate party to present a complaint, and the nonprofit is appealing the decision. Also last week, Rio's municipal assembly discussed a bill that aims to regulate the use of the coastline, including beaches and boardwalks. It backs some aspects of the decree such as restricting amplified music on the sand but not the requirement that kiosks have permits for live musicians. The proposal still needs to formally be voted on, and it's not clear if that will happen before June 1. If approved, the bill will take precedence over the decree. Economic activity on Rio's beaches, excluding kiosks, bars and restaurants, generates an estimated 4 billion reais (around $710 million) annually, according to a 2022 report by Rio's City Hall. Millions of foreigners and locals hit Rio's beaches every year and many indulge in sweet corn, grilled cheese or even a bikini or electronic devices sold by vendors on the sprawling sands. Local councilwoman Dani Balbi lashed out against the bill on social media. 'What's the point of holding big events with international artists and neglecting the people who create culture every day in the city?' she said last week on Instagram, in reference to the huge concerts by Lady Gaga earlier this month and Madonna last year. 'Forcing stallholders to remove the name of their businesses and replace it with numbers compromises the brand identity and the loyalty of customers, who use that location as a reference,' Balbi added. Anger, fear and sadness News of the decree seeking to crack down on unregistered hawkers provoked ripples of anger and fear among peddlers. 'It's tragic,' said Juan Marcos, a 24-year-old who sells prawns on sticks on Copacabana beach and lives in a nearby favela, or low-income urban community. 'We rush around madly, all to bring a little income into the house. What are we going to do now?' City Hall doesn't give enough permits to hawkers on the beach, said Maria de Lourdes do Carmo, 50, who heads the United Street Vendors' Movement — known by its acronym MUCA. 'We need authorizations, but they're not given,' said Lourdes do Carmo, who is known as Maria of the Street Vendors. The city government did not respond to a request for the number of authorizations given last year. Following the outcry, the city government emphasized that some rules were already in place in a May 21 statement. The town hall added that it is talking to all affected parties to understand their demands and is considering adjustments. Maria Lucia Silva, a 65-year-old resident of Copacabana who was walking back from the seafront with a pink beach chair under her arm, said she had been expecting City Hall to act. 'Copacabana is a neighborhood for elderly people (… ). Nobody pays a very high property tax or absurd rents to have such a huge mess,' Silva said, slamming the noise and pollution on the beach. For Rebecca Thompson, 53, who hails from Wales and was again visiting Rio after a five-week trip last year, the frenzy is part of the charm. 'There's vibrancy, there's energy. For me, there's always been a strong sense of community and acceptance. I think it would be very sad if that were to go,' she said.
Associated Press
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
No more samba on the strand? Rio de Janeiro to limit live music on the beaches
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — If you have been to Rio de Janeiro' beaches, this probably sounds familiar: samba music drifting from a nearby kiosk, caipirinha cocktails sold by hawkers, chairs sprawled across the sand. Now that may become harder to find, unless the vendors have the right permits. Mayor Eduardo Paes issued a decree in mid-May establishing new rules for the city's waterfront saying he wants to preserve urban order, public safety and the environment, as well as promote peaceful relations between tourists and residents. The new measures are due to come into force on June 1, and they outlaw food and drink sales, chair rentals, loudspeakers and even live music in kiosks without official permits. Also, beach huts will only be allowed to have a number rather than the often-creative names many are currently known by. Some have welcomed the move to tackle what they perceive as chaotic activity on the beach, but others say the decree threatens Rio's dynamic beach culture and the livelihoods of many musicians and local vendors who may find it difficult or impossible to get permits. The move to regulate music on Rio's beachfronts has particularly struck a nerve. 'It's difficult to imagine Rio de Janeiro without bossa nova, without samba on the beach,' said Julio Trindade, who works as a DJ in the kiosks. 'While the world sings the Girl from Ipanema , we won't be able to play it on the beach.' The restrictions on music amounts to 'silencing the soul of the waterfront. It compromises the spirit of a democratic, musical, vibrant, and authentic Rio,' Orla Rio, a concessionaire who manages more than 300 kiosks, said in a statement. Can this be stopped or changed? Some are seeking ways to stop the implementation of the decree or at least modify it to allow live music without a permit. But so far to little avail. The nonprofit Brazilian Institute of Citizenship, which defends social and consumer rights, filed a lawsuit last week requesting the suspension of the articles restricting live music, claiming that the measure compromises the free exercise of economic activity. A judge ruled that the group is not a legitimate party to present a complaint, and the nonprofit is appealing the decision. Also last week, Rio's municipal assembly discussed a bill that aims to regulate the use of the coastline, including beaches and boardwalks. It backs some aspects of the decree such as restricting amplified music on the sand but not the requirement that kiosks have permits for live musicians. The proposal still needs to formally be voted on, and it's not clear if that will happen before June 1. If approved, the bill will take precedence over the decree. Economic activity on Rio's beaches, excluding kiosks, bars and restaurants, generates an estimated 4 billion reais (around $710 million) annually, according to a 2022 report by Rio's City Hall. Millions of foreigners and locals hit Rio's beaches every year and many indulge in sweet corn, grilled cheese or even a bikini or electronic devices sold by vendors on the sprawling sands. Local councilwoman Dani Balbi lashed out against the bill on social media. 'What's the point of holding big events with international artists and neglecting the people who create culture every day in the city?' she said last week on Instagram, in reference to the huge concerts by Lady Gaga earlier this month and Madonna last year . 'Forcing stallholders to remove the name of their businesses and replace it with numbers compromises the brand identity and the loyalty of customers, who use that location as a reference,' Balbi added. Anger, fear and sadness News of the decree seeking to crack down on unregistered hawkers provoked ripples of anger and fear among peddlers. 'It's tragic,' said Juan Marcos, a 24-year-old who sells prawns on sticks on Copacabana beach and lives in a nearby favela, or low-income urban community . 'We rush around madly, all to bring a little income into the house. What are we going to do now?' City Hall doesn't give enough permits to hawkers on the beach, said Maria de Lourdes do Carmo, 50, who heads the United Street Vendors' Movement — known by its acronym MUCA. 'We need authorizations, but they're not given,' said Lourdes do Carmo, who is known as Maria of the Street Vendors. The city government did not respond to a request for the number of authorizations given last year. Following the outcry, the city government emphasized that some rules were already in place in a May 21 statement. The town hall added that it is talking to all affected parties to understand their demands and is considering adjustments. Maria Lucia Silva, a 65-year-old resident of Copacabana who was walking back from the seafront with a pink beach chair under her arm, said she had been expecting City Hall to act. 'Copacabana is a neighborhood for elderly people (… ). Nobody pays a very high property tax or absurd rents to have such a huge mess,' Silva said, slamming the noise and pollution on the beach. For Rebecca Thompson, 53, who hails from Wales and was again visiting Rio after a five-week trip last year, the frenzy is part of the charm. 'There's vibrancy, there's energy. For me, there's always been a strong sense of community and acceptance. I think it would be very sad if that were to go,' she said.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
San Diego fire pits: Are they going up in smoke?
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The sound of a fire crackling, buffeted by windy ocean spray is a luxury that might be a thing of the past in the time of San Diego austerity, as the mayor and city council race to trim $258 million from the budget. Supporters of fire pits say the $135,000 savings for scrapping San Diego's fire rings is out of line with what the city is. 'That is why people come to San Diego is to have that beach culture experience, catching a wave during the day, having a beach bonfire at night, that's what makes San Diego,' said Richard Bailey, a Mission Beach business owner and former Coronado Mayor. Business owners say the fire pits keep the atmosphere alive well after dark. The Mission Beach Town Council on the other hand says for them cutting the fire pits makes sense financially and it cleans up a problem they've been trying to fix anyway. 'The reason I feel the fire pits are a no brainer is because San Diego has the eighth worse ozone pollution in the nation. It's surprising to everybody I tell, and when they find out, 'God we are this polluted what can we do?' Eliminate 184 fire pits,' said Gary Katz, a member of the Ocean Beach Town Council. Locals who live in South Mission Beach say people burn couches, trash and even scooters in the fire pits and the smoke blows right into their homes. 'There's an L shape, so they are up the beach this way and then down the parking lot to the east, so no matter which way the wind blows, there is a 99% chance we are going to get a lot of smoke,' said Marty Zimmerman, a Mission Beach resident. The fire pits are currently cut from the draft budget so it will take the city council to save the beach fires. 'I would hope they would keep it, regardless of the cost, it benefits the people that live here the most,' said Kelvin Dean, who was born and raised in San Diego. The final budget will be submitted by June 10. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
