The coronavirus pandemic has promoted the

postponement of Rio de Janeiro Carnival for the first time in more than 100

years.

The postponement comes as Brazil’s cases of

the virus continue to soar with the South American country recording roughly

4.7 million positives and just under 140,000 deaths, according to the John

Hopkins University virus tracker, since its first case was reported in

February.

The city’s League of Samba Schools said

the virus’ spread has made it impossible to safely have the event, which

provides a source of income for many.

“Carnival

is a party upon which many humble workers depend. The samba schools are

community institutions, and the parades are just one detail of all that,” Luiz

Antonio Simas, a historian who specialises in Rio’s Carnival, said in an

interview. “An entire cultural and productive chain was disrupted by COVID.”

Rio

Carnival was last suspended in 1912 after the death of the foreign relations

minister.

Some

2.1 million visitors travelled to the state and generated US$725 million in

economic activity for this year’s celebrations in February.