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Controversial Change Involves 1975 Law, Million-Dollar Costs, and Judicial Dispute in 2024
The Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj) enacted, on July 8, 2025, a new law that fully transfers the Sambadrome of Marquês de Sapucaí to state administration. Thus, the decree-law issued in 1975, shortly after the merger of the former states of Rio de Janeiro and Guanabara, was revoked.
This move reopens an old dispute between the municipality and the state. The clash involves not only the ownership of the space but also significant financial responsibilities.
Veto Overturned Increases Clash Between Government and Alerj
Although the state government itself initially vetoed the proposal, Alerj decided to overturn the veto and maintain the decision published in the Official Gazette on Tuesday (8). Therefore, the transfer of the Sambadrome to state management was officially confirmed.
This outcome demonstrates how, even in the face of executive recommendations, the legislative branch can orchestrate structural changes. As long as it has a majority, it is possible to break political barriers. Thus, the action raises questions about autonomy and limitations between state and municipal powers.
Deputy Challenges Decision and Questions Constitutionality
However, Deputy Luiz Paulo, from the PSD party, strongly positioned himself against the enactment. Shortly after the publication, he filed a lawsuit in court.
The parliamentarian argues that, according to the Constitution, the law violates rights acquired by the municipality of Rio de Janeiro over the property. Therefore, Luiz Paulo requested an immediate suspension of the effects of the new regulation. He claims that the change undermines the legal security of the City Hall.
Furthermore, the City Hall of Rio itself has filed a parallel action to try to reverse the measure.
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City Hall Highlights Costs to Maintain Sambadrome
According to official information released by the City Hall of Rio, the annual cost of operating and maintaining the Sambadrome is around R$ 47 million. This excludes the transfer to samba schools.
Therefore, the municipal administration argues that any transfer of ownership must ensure financial guarantees. This way, it avoids overburdening state coffers, especially during Carnival.
During this period, logistical operations require an increase in security, cleaning, and infrastructure services. Thus, the dispute is not limited to ownership. It also involves who will bear these significant expenses.
Decision Reignites Debate on Future of Carnival
Finally, the judicial imbroglio reignites a sensitive topic: the future of the state’s main popular festival. While the law enacted by Alerj tries to centralize responsibilities, the City Hall advocates for autonomy to manage the location.
The Sambadrome symbolizes the Carioca Carnival. Thus, the developments of this dispute may still extend to the courts. This has a direct impact on the organization of samba school parades.
Additionally, experts emphasize that the decision regarding the management of the Sambadrome could influence future agreements between the state government and the municipality for large-scale events.
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