TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, has implemented several new regulations for the beach areas in the city. The beaches in Rio de Janeiro are not only crowded with local and foreign tourists, but also filled with the sound of samba music emanating from nearby kiosks, a variety of cocktail drinks, and scattered beach chairs.
Millions of foreign tourists and local residents flock to Rio beaches every year. They enjoy sweet corn, grilled cheese, bikinis, and electronic devices sold by vendors on the sandy expanse.
The ambiance may change with the regulations released in mid-May 2025. Eduardo aims to maintain the city's order, public safety, and environment, as well as promote peaceful relations between tourists and residents.
According to the new regulations, starting from June 1, 2025, selling food and drinks, chair rentals, sound amplifiers, and even live music at kiosks is prohibited without official permission. Beach huts are only allowed to have numbers, not the creative names that are often used.
Response from local musicians and vendors
The new regulations certainly garnered both positive and negative responses. Some people welcome the rules because they are believed to address the chaotic atmosphere on the beach. However, there are also objections as it threatens the livelihood of local musicians and vendors, as well as the dynamic beach culture of Rio.
"It’s difficult to imagine Rio de Janeiro without bossa nova, without samba on the beach. While the world sings The Girl from Ipanema, we won’t be able to play it on the beach," said Julio Trindade, who works as a DJ at the kiosks, as reported by Euronews.
Orla Rio, the concession holder managing more than 300 kiosks, said that restrictions on music are equivalent to silencing the coastal area's soul. "It compromises the spirit of a democratic, musical, vibrant, and authentic Rio," he said.
Use of the shoreline
The Rio City Council is discussing a bill that aims to regulate the use of the shoreline, including beaches and sidewalks. Local council member Dani Balbi criticized the bill on social media. The effort to restrict public activities on the beach is incomparable to large events involving international artists such as Lady Gaga earlier this month and Madonna last year.
While the regulations have sparked anger and fear among vendors, Maria de Lourdes do Carmo, 50, who heads the United Sidewalk Vendor Movement, known by its acronym MUCA, said that the city council does not provide enough permits to sidewalk vendors on the beach. "We need authorisations, but they’re not given," she said.
Maria Lucia Silva, a 65-year-old resident of Copacabana, agrees with the city council's actions. She criticized the noise and pollution on the beach, saying that the area is also for the elderly. "Nobody pays a very high property tax or absurd rents to have such a huge mess," she said.
However, Rebecca Thompson says the beach's vibrant atmosphere is its main attraction. "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," said the woman from Wales who visited Rio again after a five-week trip last year.
Editor's Choice: Anti-Drone System to Be Installed in India's Taj Mahal Complex
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Lady Gaga's Net Worth: How Much Is the Superstar Worth in 2025?
20 jam lalu
Lady Gaga's net worth is estimated at an impressive US$300 million, built from multiple income streams. Learn how she earned it here.
5 Types of Hotels to Avoid for Smooth-Sailing Vacation
22 jam lalu
Travel experts reveal five types of hotels that should be avoided by tourists.
Beach Escape at Saltwick Bay with Fossil Hunting
1 hari lalu
Saltwick Bay in England's beautiful county of North Yorkshire is renowned for its marine reptile fossils.
Foo Fighters to Rock Jakarta on October 2 as Part of 2025 Asia Tour
1 hari lalu
Foo Fighters will take the stage at Carnaval Beach in Ancol, Jakarta, promising a night of high-energy rock.
Step Into the World of Lilo & Stitch: Explore Filming Sites Across Oahu
2 hari lalu
Whether a fan of Lilo & Stitch or new to their world, this science fiction film will take viewers to the beauty of O'ahu
7 Essential Tips for Taking Taxis in Bangkok
2 hari lalu
Here are some things to avoid confusion when using taxis for the first time in Bangkok
Top Hidden Gem in Japan: Nara Named Most Underrated City for Tourists
2 hari lalu
Japan saw 36.87 million visitors in 2024, with Tokyo and Kyoto leading in popularity, but Nara stands out for those seeking quieter alternatives.
Japan Offers Anime-Style School Tour for Foreigners
3 hari lalu
This one-day tourism program offers the Japanese school experience for people of all nationalities.
Aceh Temporarily Closes Zero Kilometer Monument, Citing Safety Reasons
3 hari lalu
The Zero Kilometer Monument in Sabang, Aceh, is the geographic marker of the westernmost point of Indonesia.
Breaking Down Beyonce Net Worth in 2025 and Solo Career Triumphs
5 hari lalu
Fresh off her long-overdue Grammy's Album of the Year, how much is Beyonce net worth in 2025? Join us as we take a dive into the wealth of this diva.
