Prices on the Copacabana waterfront rise more than on New Year’s Eve and reservations at kiosks can cost R$4,000

The countdown to Madonna’s show at Copacabana Beach, this Saturday, has already begun. As a result, the demand for a space to see the queen up close increases every hour, as do the prices for services offered on the beachfront. In the New Year’s Eve atmosphere, kiosks in front of the stage are preparing to welcome tourists from all over the world. GLOBO found that reservations for private parties, with a privileged view of the event, cost between R$250 and R$4,000 per person. The location is a differentiator for tourists coming to Rio for the first time. The closer to the stage, the better.

• Megashow: Find out how to get to Copacabana Beach for the Madonna show
• Are you going to complement your day at the beach with a Madonna show? See tips on how to take care of yourself to enjoy the presentation without any scares

The countdown to Madonna’s show at Copacabana Beach, this Saturday, has already begun. As a result, the demand for a space to see the queen up close increases every hour, as do the prices for services offered on the beachfront. In the New Year’s Eve atmosphere, kiosks in front of the stage are preparing to welcome tourists from all over the world. GLOBO found that reservations for private parties, with a privileged view of the event, cost between R$250 and R$4,000 per person. Location is a differentiator for

On the sand, stallholders are reserving chairs for R$20 — if rented in advance—, which can cost up to R$70 on the day of the show. Even street vendors are taking advantage of the effect of “Madonna inflation” to make money. Coconut water, which on average costs R$8, is being sold for up to R$20. The R$15 caipirinha now costs R$30 to R$35. of props for the show: banners, shirts, bags. But the steep prices draw the attention of out-of-town fans who venture out to explore the neighborhood while they wait for the big day.

Lawyer Sandra Kadrinick, 35, lives in Rio Grande do Sul and came to Rio just to see the show on Saturday. She says that this is her third visit to the capital and that as soon as she landed in Copacabana on Monday she felt the difference in prices.

— I was in the city on New Year’s Eve and paid a lot less than I’m paying now. I have the impression that, as it is an international show, sellers and traders are taking advantage of it to earn a little more. I even understand that it is a business opportunity for them. However, it is our wallet that suffers as a result. Anything goes for the diva, right? Even pay a little more — joked the lawyer.

Headbands with the words “I love Madonna” cost R$20 to R$25 reais and are easy to find on the boardwalk. The bands with the singer’s name, made of sequins, are a little more affordable, costing around R$15. Saleswoman Maria da Graça dos Santos says that since the announcement of the singer’s tour in Rio, sales more than doubled.

— I always sell products that are of interest to the public. At New Year’s, for example, there were plastic cups and flowers. At the end of the fireworks display, I had already earned around R$3,000. Now, with the show, I’m selling props. And, with two days left until the big day, I’ve already made just over R$6,000. Until she (Madonna) enters the stage I must sell even more — celebrated Maria.

To prevent consumers from being left behind and paying abusive prices in hotels, kiosks and other consumption points in the city, Procon-RJ has carried out guidance and inspection actions. This week, the organization set up stands at Santos Dumont and Tom Jobim airports and will also make rounds along the Copacabana waterfront until Friday (3). Saturday, on the day of the show, there will be a shift from 10am to 7pm for queries and mediation of any issues consumers may face. Contact must be made by telephone (21) 99371-9647 and (21) 99332-8289 and or by email [email protected].