In previous editions, the public could only enter with containers without lids: a federal government order issued this week requires entry with bottles for personal use.
For the first time, anyone who goes to the Rock in Riomusic festival that will take place from September 13 to 22 in the western zone of Rio de Janeiro, you can bring closed plastic bottles, as long as they are transparent, up to 500 ml and empty. In previous editions, you were allowed to bring bottles filled with water but without lids, to prevent them from being used to hurt someone. Now the management of bottles will be easier and people will be able to fill them with water for free at any of the 176 fountains distributed throughout Cidade do Rock, where the event will be held.
On Tuesday 27, the Federal Government decided, in an ordinance signed by the National Consumer Secretariat, an entity of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, that large events such as concerts and festivals will have to distribute waterfall free for the public until the end of the year, in addition to allowing the entry of bottles for personal use.
The resolution was prompted by the extreme heat waves that have hit Brazil in recent years. According to the ordinance, major events must allow access to bottles for personal use – made with materials that do not compromise safety – and install free and easily accessible “hydration islands” so that those present can refill their containers.
Another new feature of Rock in Rio, which is in its tenth edition and celebrates the 40th anniversary of the first one, held in January 1985, will be using reusable cups. The organization estimates that the initiative will avoid the generation of 14 tons of waste. In the previous edition, in 2022, 2.4 million cups were distributed, of which 2.2 million were recovered and disposed of as waste.
Each drink will be served in a glass specific to its brand: Heineken, Coca-Cola, Schweppes Mixed and Red Bull will have personalized glasses, and ropes will be distributed to hang the glass from the body. By returning the glass of the same product for the second purchase, consumers will receive a discount.
To speed up the service, the glass will be replaced with a clean one, already filled with the same drink, while the used one will be sent directly to cleaning, returning to use after cleaning. The discount will be valid for purchases of the same product. If the person wishes to change their drink, it will be necessary to purchase the glass corresponding to the new choice.
The Festival promotes social actions
This Friday the 30th, the festival organizers received the press at Cidade do Rock to present the social actions promoted simultaneously with this year’s edition. The two main ones are the partnerships with the NGO Ação da Cidadania and Rede Gerando Falcões. The journalists were able to visit the construction of Cidade do Rock, which is nearing completion. With 14 days to go until the opening of Rock in Rio, the stages and other areas are practically ready. Dozens of workers are working to complete the assembly, there is already a functioning food court and it is also possible to listen to music, for now emitted by the devices of some workers.
The partnership with Ação da Cidadania is old and through it, last May, Rock in Rio committed to donating 1.5 million meals to the victims of the rains in Rio Grande do Sul. The festival audience can also contribute, making donations on the official website or when purchasing tickets or participating in the traditional guitar auction, with instruments autographed by some of the musicians who will perform at the event.
Rock in Rio’s partnership with Gerando Falcões is unprecedented and involves the implementation of a project called Favela 3D in two areas of Morro da Providência, Rio de Janeiro’s first favela, in the center of the capital. The initiative includes interventions in public areas and special attention to the 250 families that live in the community.
Work on Buraco and Sessenta squares began in July and is expected to be completed on the 15th. The renovation includes children’s games, landscaping, art installations, benches, LED lighting, painting of facades and improvement of pavements and sidewalks. The other phase, attention to residents, has already shown that 75% of children and young people are enrolled in school, 85% of residents are literate, 22% of people have a professional qualification and 59% are employed in the labor market. The goal is to reach 100% in all these indicators.
“We want to be a driver of change for a better world. We know the impact that the festival has and how this influence can inspire transformations, both in people’s way of thinking and in their daily practices. In this year in which we celebrate our 40 years of history, we have two projects that will change lives. The arrival of Favela 3D at the festival and the partnership we maintain with Ação da Cidadania are the essence of our work: bringing people together to create real and positive changes for 40 years. Rock in Rio is proof that it is worth believing in a better future and working to make it happen,” said Roberta Medina, executive vice president of Rock World, the company that organizes Rock in Rio.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
