Hut, umbrella and fan: “swifties” innovate to alleviate heat in line

On the first of three days of singer Taylor Swift’s performance in Rio de Janeiro, the artist’s fans arrived early for a true marathon in search of the best seat at the Nilton Santos Stadium (Engenhão), in the Engenho de Dentro neighborhood. The singer performs in Rio de Janeiro in the first show of “The Eras Tour” in Brazil this Friday (17).

The performance in the capital of Rio de Janeiro this Friday is the first in a series of three shows in Brazilian lands. Taylor Swift also goes up to the Nilton Santos Stadium on Saturday (18) and Sunday (19). Afterwards, she will go on to three performances in São Paulo, at Allianz Parque, on the 24th, 25th and 26th of November.

Looking forward to the artist’s first tour in Brazil, Juliana Braz got up early in front of the Nilton Santos stadium. To CNN, the dentistry student told that she arrived at 4am to guarantee the first place in line. “I didn’t expect it, I thought it would be much busier. When I got here, I was a little scared because it was empty, but there were a lot of employees and some security guards here. It’s been really exciting because I never thought I would do this in my life,” she said.

With the thermometer at around 40°C, the “swifities” – the name given to Taylor Swift fans – had to use their creativity to alleviate the high temperatures in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. The umbrella was the most used item, but fans and improvised huts were also strategies to escape the sun.

“We bought two fans, water and this umbrella. It’s the way”, said Vitor Manoel, who came from Brasília.

Influencer Liz Goulart came from Itaperuna, in the Northwest of Rio de Janeiro. Nine hours before the show, she planned the difficulties until she was able to watch the pop muse. “I have to face queues, sun, hunger and the urge to pee from 9:27 am until four in the afternoon, but it’s worth it. That’s ten years of not seeing Taylor,” she said.

Friends Cleverson and Rafael are only going to the singer’s show tomorrow, Saturday (18). However, on the eve of the performance, the two took advantage of the weather to make sales to other fans of the singer. Collectors of Taylor Swift objects and souvenirs, the friends took Friday to sell the products in line so that the “swifties” can buy more affordable souvenirs at the show, as official products cost from R$120.

“Ticket sales went very well. We came with a reduced quantity and managed to sell everything in less than an hour. That day opened up a range of opportunities and we decided to return today”, explained Cleverson.

For the shows in Rio de Janeiro, the city of Rio de Janeiro reinforced security around the stadium after reports of raids leaving the RBD group’s shows.