Paraná municipalities spent R$ 1.2 billion on musical shows

Municipalities in the state of Paraná, Brazil, spent nearly R$ 1.2 billion on musical performances between 2021 and the first half of 2026, according to a report by the State Court of Accounts (TCE-PR). The audit covered 399 municipalities and involved the hiring of 1,158 artists, groups, and musical duos.

The TCE-PR identified indications of irregular use of funds, noting that resources intended for essential sectors—including health, basic education, the Elderly Fund, and the Municipal Firefighters Re-equipment Fund—may have been diverted to pay for shows.

Musical duo Fernando e Sorocaba topped the list of highest-paid artists, receiving approximately R$ 18.1 million. Other high earners included Guilherme e Benuto (R$ 13 million), Ana Castela (R$ 12.6 million), and Maiara e Maraisa (R$ 11.2 million). The highest volume of spending occurred in 2025, with R$ 403.5 million committed. The TCE-PR has launched a new Municipal Event Spending Panel to allow for public comparison between entertainment costs and investments in essential services.