— São Paulo is a metropolis easily associated with superlatives. In terms of population, the latest estimates for São Paulo (or “Sampa,” as it is known to people in Brazil) is currently over 12 million inhabitants for the city proper and about 22 million in the metropolitan area! It’s the largest city in the southern hemisphere and one of the top five largest cities in the world. The photos here show the heart of the business district in the city, the Avenida Paulista (or Paulista Avenue; “paulista” is the term given to people from São Paulo). The reason you don’t see any cars in these shots is because on weekends, this avenue closes to all traffic and opens for pedestrians and bicycles only. There are food trucks, artistic performances, live music, and several other events geared to city people. It is on this avenue that since 1997 the world’s largest gay pride parade is held, as certified by Guinness World Records. With over three million attendees in 2019, this gay pride parade is second only to Formula One in São Paulo. The parade is 2.6 miles long (4.2 km) and receives support from federal, state, and local governments. Although the original date for this year’s parade was set to June 14, 2020, because of COVID-19, it has been moved to November 22, 2020. Nevertheless, the organizers of the São Paulo parade will have the first virtual gay parade. It will be broadcast in twelve YouTube channels. A giant laser light installation will illuminate Avenida Paulista in celebration of gay pride.
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