Calvin Harris Block Party in São Paulo Marred by Overcrowding and Tumult

Overcrowding Disrupts Calvin Harris Performance in São Paulo

A highly anticipated pre-Carnival block party in São Paulo, featuring Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, was significantly impacted by severe overcrowding on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The event, part of the Bloco Skol, took place on Rua da Consolação in the central region of the city, drawing an exceptionally large crowd that led to widespread discomfort and safety concerns.

The block, which also featured Brazilian artists such as Felipe Amorim, Nattan, Xand Avião, and Zé Vaqueiro, commenced at 11 AM. The immense turnout, partly attributed to Harris's international appeal and the simultaneous presence of other large blocks in the vicinity, resulted in intense compression within the crowd.

Attendees Report Discomfort and Require Assistance

Dozens of revelers reported feeling unwell, experiencing symptoms such as dizziness and temporary fainting, primarily due to the intense heat and the sheer density of people. The pressure from the crowd was so significant that it led to the tearing down of containment barriers installed by the event organizers. Eyewitnesses described scenes of desperation, with some individuals resorting to scaling gates of private properties to escape the crush. One attendee was quoted saying, 'I thought I was going to die.'

During the performance of Brazilian singer Felipe Amorim, who preceded Calvin Harris, the electric trio had to be temporarily halted. Amorim himself intervened from the stage, calling for emergency assistance for a person feeling unwell in the crowd. This stoppage was necessary to allow rescue vehicles to navigate through the densely packed street.

Emergency Response and Police Intervention

In response to the escalating situation, civil firefighters and ambulances were actively providing assistance at the scene. Organizers had positioned ambulances and medical stations along the route to address incidents of discomfort. The São Paulo City Hall, through its Traffic Engineering Company (CET), monitored the event, and traffic agents were deployed to clear nearby roads, facilitating access for emergency vehicles.

The Military Police reinforced their presence in the area to manage the tumult and prevent further incidents. While many attendees required assistance, authorities confirmed that all treated cases involved mild symptoms related to heat and crowding, with no serious injuries reported. The city had a pre-existing 'Plano de Operação e Segurança' for large blocks, which was in its validation phase for the Carnival season. Additionally, undercover police officers were present, leading to arrests for theft during the event.