The Carnival in Mealhada, Aveiro district, faces major changes this year following two resignations from the Associação de Carnaval da Bairrada (ACB) this week, both linked to financial issues.
The first resignation was by the association’s now-former treasurer, Márcio Freixo, who detailed his reasons in a letter to the chairman, Vitor Ferreira.
The document states that the president of the association allegedly “used ACB funds for personal gain” with the association’s debit card, accumulating a balance that “currently amounts to 500 euros” which must be returned to the ACB.
The outgoing treasurer further criticized the “lack of responsibility in the president’s decision-making, specifically in spending decisions,” asserting that the president’s explanations are “invalid and/or unfounded.”
Márcio Freixo also noted that Victor Ferreira “believes that everything solves itself or that someone else will handle it, showing no concern for more sensitive issues, particularly financial ones,” highlighting a “lack of concern with event budgets.”
Consequently, the treasurer stated he had “completely lost confidence” in Victor Ferreira, accusing him of “negligence and indifference” towards ACB’s financial situation.
The decision was reportedly taken “about a month ago” and communicated on Tuesday, September 16, due to the impending Samba Festival held on September 12 and 13. This event was the only reason Márcio Freixo delayed his departure.
Vice-President Resignation Over Financial Transparency Concerns
Mafalda Novais, the vice-president, also resigned on Thursday, citing financial issues within the association.
“Dear friends, partners, and members of the Associação do Carnaval da Bairrada, I am writing to inform you that I am stepping down from my position as Vice-President of the ACB,” Mafalda Novais announced on Instagram.
She stated her role primarily involved organizing the 2025 Carnival and its financial reporting.
“Despite avoidable operational challenges, we remain, to this date, without access to the sole document that transparently verifies ticket sales from our Carnival,” she explained, noting that a new billing system implemented this year was deemed “transparent and functional” by her.
“At the end of each parade day, I requested daily revenue summaries (closure receipts from all cash registers) and was never provided them. At the Carnival’s end, I requested them again and not only didn’t receive the documents, but also wasn’t informed of the ticket sales figures,” she asserted.
“In the Assembly presenting the Financial Report, to which the vice-presidency was not invited, I questioned the president and treasurer about these daily summaries and was referred to Excel sheets in the report,” Mafalda Novais added, mentioning that they suggested she visit the Mealhada Municipal Archive for these records. “I couldn’t find the closure summaries for the 2025 Carnival cash registers there either.”
Due to these and other factors, particularly the lack of transparency, she decided she could no longer be part of the association as vice-president or any other member role.
Contacted by the outlet, ACB declined to comment, stating: “We will not make any comments.”
The outlet also reached out to Márcio Freixo and Mafalda Novais but has not yet received a response.
