Designed by the renowned Oscar Niemeyer the Passarela Cultural stands before us. It is more popularly known as the Samb\u00f3dromo do Anhembi. This iconic structure has been the epicenter of S\u00e3o Paulo’s vibrant Carnival celebrations since 1991.
Initially the Anhembi area wasn’t intended for any construction. Instead, it was considered as a green space. But during the 1970s and 80s it served as a parking lot and even a circus site.
That changed on January 4 1990. Municipal Law 10.831/1990 was enacted. This law officially recognized S\u00e3o Paulo’s Carnival. It assigned the city administration to organize festivities through Anhembi.
Oscar Niemeyer donated the design for the Samb\u00f3dromo. It was originally called the “Polo de Arte e Cultura Popular de S\u00e3o Paulo”. The city approved it on May 30 of that year. The architectural complex featured a 530-meter-long and 14-meter-wide runway. It covered a total area of 40000 square meters. This included 29260 square meters of built area. The plan included grandstands along the track. These grandstands would house a 40-bed emergency room, a daycare center for 400 children, and an arts school.
The project cost an estimated US$9 million. Its concept allowed for multiple uses. These included music concerts, exhibitions, open-air film festivals, sports tournaments and other cultural events.
The Samb\u00f3dromo’s construction began on January 4 1990. Its inauguration took place on February 1 1991. At that time, it lacked definitive grandstands because of bureaucratic issues.
Despite having temporary demountable structures the inauguration was attended by authorities. Representatives from all of S\u00e3o Paulo’s samba schools were also present.
The opening of the first Carnival parade at the Samb\u00f3dromo occurred on February 9 1991. Ten schools from the special group performed. Construction of the grandstands began on November 1 1991. They were 500 meters long and 3.8 meters high.
By Carnival 1992 the Samb\u00f3dromo had five concrete modules. These could accommodate 10000 people. The definitive structure would only be built after the parades. Demountable stands were again installed for another 10000 spectators.
In late 1993 the Samb\u00f3dromo was renamed Polo Cultural e Esportivo Grande Otelo. This honored the samba artist and comedian who passed away that November.
Since January 2022 GL events manages the Samb\u00f3dromo do Anhembi. They won the concession bidding for 30 years. The company is responsible for renovation, management, maintenance, operation and commercial exploration.
When first inaugurated the samba runway could only hold 10000 people. In 1995 some grandstand modules were completed. The capacity then increased from 10000 to 20000. In February 1996 the ten completed sectors were delivered. The Samb\u00f3dromo’s capacity increased to 32000 people.
The Passarela Cultural isn’t just for Carnival. It has hosted TV shows, Indy 300 races, and skateboarding competitions. Miley Cyrus and Arcade Fire have performed here. The annual September 7th parades also take place here.
The Passarela Cultural the Samb\u00f3dromo do Anhembi stands as a testament to S\u00e3o Paulo’s vibrant cultural scene. It is a place where music, dance and celebration come alive.