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Carnival 2026: Social Services identifies children with wristbands and offers a space for social interaction to the children of street vendors.
Published on 09/02/2026 - 17:28 | Updated on 10/02/2026 - 15:45
The bracelets should contain the name and phone number of the parents or guardians. Photo: Renan Areias / SMAS
The Municipal Secretariat of Social Assistance (SMAS) of Rio will intensify its actions to protect children and adolescents during Carnival 2026. This year's campaign has the motto "Protecting is our theme" and includes a space for the children of street vendors to socialize, identification bracelets, and prevention actions at the Sambadrome and other points in the city.
During the Gold Series parades (February 13 and 14), the Special Group parades (February 15, 16 and 17) and the Champions' Parade (February 21), children and teenagers will be identified with wristbands containing the name and telephone number of their parents or guardians. This measure contributes to a quick reunion and ensures greater safety and peace of mind for families.
The SMAS teams will operate both itinerantly and at fixed points. At the Sambadrome, there will be Social Assistance tents at the entrances to sectors 1 and 2 (Rua Benedito Hipólito), at the dispersal area (Rua Frei Caneca), and at the entrances to sectors 8 and 9.
The initiative will also take place during the parades on Intendente Magalhães Avenue, which will host the Federation of Carnival Groups (Group 1) on the 14th, the Silver Series on the 15th and 16th, the Evaluation Group on the 17th, and the Bronze Series on the 20th and 21st.
"Our mission is to protect the rights of children and adolescents. The bracelets help to reunite those who get lost and bring more security to families," adds Martha Rocha.
Living Space
Between the 14th and 17th and on the 21st, children of street vendors who work at or around the Sambadrome can be cared for in a daycare space for children aged 4 to 12. The service will operate from 6 pm to 18 am at the Rachel de Queiroz Early Childhood Education Center (EDI), on Avenida Presidente Vargas, near the Sambadrome, with 50 places available per night. The space will offer food, recreational activities, and a rest area.
SMAS professionals will be actively searching the area around the Samba Walkway, and street vendors can also spontaneously seek out teams identified by their vests.
"This initiative prevents child labor and ensures the well-being of families, allowing parents and guardians to work with peace of mind, knowing that their children are in a safe place," says the Municipal Secretary of Social Assistance, Martha Rocha.
Actions at airports and at the Kindness Terminal
SMAS will distribute promotional material for the campaign “Protecting is our story” in strategic locations where people arrive for the festivities. On Thursday the 12th, at 8 am, the action will take place at Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport, in Galeão. On Friday the 13th, also at 8 am, it will be the turn of the Gentileza Terminal, in the Leopoldina region, which integrates BRT, VLT and municipal bus lines.
Prevention of dispersion
In Sapucaí, SMAS will also carry out the campaign "Dispersal is not a place for fun", aimed at preventing accidents in Praça da Apoteose, during the parades of the Série Ouro, the Grupo Especial and the Sábado das Campeãs.
Educators and social workers will guide parents and guardians about the risks of children remaining in the dispersal area, where floats and cranes circulate. Children will not be allowed to remain in the area after the performances. In addition to these initiatives, SMAS will work on social outreach to vulnerable individuals, actively searching for lost children and adolescents, providing temporary institutional care when necessary, and promoting campaigns to eradicate child labor and combat sexual violence.
