The Evolving Landscape of Carnival: Sex, Drugs, and Digital Connections
The Carnival of Salvador, renowned globally for its vibrant music, electric trios, and massive crowds, harbors a complex undercurrent of social interactions. A recent study, Pega-@ção-Folia, conducted by researchers at the Federal University of Bahia (Ufba) and published on February 13, 2026, sheds light on this dynamic, revealing how digital platforms, casual encounters, and substance use are reshaping the experience of Brazil’s largest street party.
The Rise of Digital Mediation
The Ufba research highlights a significant shift in how connections are made during Carnival. According to study coordinator Anderson Reis, a growing proportion of interactions are now mediated through apps and social networks. This changes the dynamics of encounters, negotiations, and even access to substances. “Today, a large part of these interactions is mediated by applications and social networks,” Reis explains. “This changes the way people meet, negotiate practices, and even access substances.”
Sex, Substances, and Risk
The study focused on the practices of men who have sex with men during the 2025 Carnival, analyzing sexual health, substance use patterns, and safety precautions. It revealed a trend towards “sex aditivado” – the use of substances to enhance or prolong sexual experiences. Commonly cited drugs included cocaine, ecstasy, poppers, and GHB, often combined with erectile dysfunction medications like tadalafil and sildenafil.
The research indicated that 16.2% of participants reported health problems following substance use, including issues related to mental health, gastrointestinal problems, and genital alterations. Researchers are also observing the emergence of methamphetamine use, a drug with a high potential for addiction and severe psychological impacts, which is expanding beyond major urban centers and into the Northeast region of Brazil.
The App Economy of Carnival
Access to substances is increasingly facilitated through digital platforms. Researchers found that individuals openly advertise and sell drugs through apps, maintaining direct contact with potential buyers. Some profiles function almost like online stores, constantly announcing availability. This ease of access extends to both regular users and those experimenting for the first time.
Shifting Attitudes Towards Safe Sex
While half of the study participants reported using condoms during Carnival, there’s a growing interest in unprotected sex, a trend also reflected in app-based interactions. However, researchers emphasize that this isn’t yet a widespread pattern, with continued concern for protection still present. The study also noted that some participants equate PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV) with complete protection, potentially reducing awareness of risks associated with other sexually transmitted infections.
Carnival as a Catalyst, Not a Creator
Researchers suggest that Carnival doesn’t necessarily create new behaviors but rather intensifies existing ones. However, it also provides a space for individuals to experience certain encounters – affective, sexual, or substance-related – for the first time.
The Require for Targeted Public Health Initiatives
The findings underscore the need for specific public health policies tailored to large-scale events like Carnival. Researchers advocate for increased resources dedicated to addressing substance use, mental health, and sexual health, both during and after the festival. The complete research report is available here.
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What do you think? Share your thoughts on the changing dynamics of Carnival in the comments below!
