Residents of Paquetá Island, a neighborhood in central Rio de Janeiro, published a manifesto and filed a complaint with the State Public Ministry of Rio against the Boto Marinho block. The residents are requesting the cancellation of a procession scheduled for a Saturday morning, arguing that the event poses a risk to public order.
The block's organizers, on the other hand, defend that the criticism is motivated by prejudice and intolerance toward popular culture. The conflict between residents and the block highlights a dispute over the use of public space on the island during cultural events.
Boto Marinho was founded in 2017 and holds two summer editions on two Sundays after Carnival, plus a winter edition in early September. Revelers depart from the ferry station at Praça XV before 7 AM and gather at Pinto Pedro Bruno Square in Paquetá.
Around 9 AM, participants proceed in procession along Praia da Moreninha. MPRJ also reported that it has charged five individuals with triple-qualified homicide in a separate case.
