Monitoring integrates data from city halls and has an electric vehicle circulating in São Paulo to update the map
Waze started its special operation for Carnival 2026 with a focus on monitoring road closures and roadblocks in real time. The main novelty of the platform for this year is the circulation of the “Waze Car”, a vehicle dedicated to traveling the streets of São Paulo to update the map and identify critical traffic points during the passage of the blocks.
The model chosen for the task is a Volvo EX30, a 100% electric SUV, which was stickered with the campaign’s visual identity. In addition to collecting data, the car will serve as brand activation: revelers who see the vehicle are encouraged to post photos on social networks with the hashtag #CarroDoWaze.
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To mitigate the impact of the parades on urban mobility, the app provided specific regional links for São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Recife/Olinda. The tool crosses data sent by the community of map editors with official information from municipal authorities, allowing the driver to view escape routes from the prohibited areas.
In addition to the technical operation, the platform bets on interactivity. Since February 4, a new command voice with carnival jargon has been available. When alerting about a traffic light radar, for example, the app triggers: “Passista has to have discipline”. In speed warnings, the message changes to “Watch your school grade”.
The content strategy also includes the launch of a documentary web series in vertical format. Scheduled to premiere on February 10, the production will show the backstage of how technology and the volunteer community work to keep the city moving during the party.
