In Arrecife, a curious narrative has taken hold: everything is going well, but apologies are needed. That is, in essence, the letter Echedey Eugenio has sent to carnival-goers to explain why the Carnival galas and contests are returning to the old Fairgrounds. An extensive and emotional letter that arrives just as the Prosecutor's Office is reviewing contracts, expenses, and festive records.
The letter essentially says there was no alternative, that the stage contract fell through, that there wasn't enough time, and that the administrative machinery is slow. And it's important to make something clear from the outset: Carnival must be defended. It is popular culture, identity, and collective work.
Now, defending Carnival does not mean applauding improvisation. And here a legitimate question arises: wasn't the administrative machinery slow before? Because for past festivals, with large expenses and ambitious setups, there didn't seem to be any problems with timing or fallen contractsIt's curious that the excuses appear right now, when the Prosecutor's Office is investigating hiring and festive spending. It's not an accusation, it's a political observation: the explanations arrive when the questions beginCarnival deserves respect, planning, and transparency. It cannot be managed based on emergencies or last-minute letters. The festival is celebrated, but public money is managed with rigor
Carnival is saved every year thanks to its people. Management, on the other hand, needs more than just letters.