Brazil capital busy ahead of Bolsonaro’s inauguration

Tourists will not be allowed at major landmarks in Brasília

Published on 31/12/2018 - 18:33 By Agência Brasil - Brasília

Brazil’s capital may receive from 250 thousand to 500 thousand people for the inauguration ceremony of President-Elect Jair Bolsonaro on January 1, according to official figures.

The hustle and bustle brought about by the event will also make an impact on city hotels. Brasília’s network of hotels and inns, with 279 facilities, expects the occupancy rate to surpass 85 percent.

Iluminação de Natal deste ano em Brasília
the presidential inauguration will change the New Year’s routine and the typical city dynamics in the days to come - Marcello Casal jr/Agência Brasil

Despite businesses’ special opening hours, with malls and stores closed on January 1, the presidential inauguration will change the New Year’s routine and the typical city dynamics in the days to come—a chance expected to be particularly conspicuous at restaurants. At least 10 percent of eateries should open their doors to welcome the public.

The event will also affect the Airport of Brasília, where 118 extra flights should be made available. Also estimated is a total of 11,225 landings and takeoffs, with a higher-than-normal flow on January 1.

For security reasons, tourists in Brasília for the inauguration ceremony will not be allowed to visit major city landmarks at the Três Poderes square, like the National Congress building, the Palácio presidential palace, and the Supreme Court. Visiting will only be resumed on January 3 due to preparations for the inauguration ceremony. Guided tours in Congress, in turn, will be brought back to its regular routine on January 4.

Translation: Fabrício Ferreira -  Edition: Fábio Massalli / José Romildo

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