Appeals Court Allows Léo Santana and Kiko Chicabana Shows in Drought-Hit Piauí

Overview

• The ruling overturns the Oct. 2 decision by a trial judge who had suspended the contracts, blocked payments, and ordered the return of any funds already disbursed.
• Prosecutors said the Rio Grande do Piauí city hall hired the artists for R$ 910,000 without bidding, a sum they argue exceeds the 2025 culture budget and is disproportionate for a town of 5,485 residents.
• The Public Prosecutor’s Office sought additional measures including bans on vendor payments and substitute bookings, plus a proposed R$ 100,000 daily fine for noncompliance.
• City officials cited deliveries of food baskets and use of water trucks as drought relief, measures the first judge deemed insufficient when issuing the suspension.
• The performances are slated for Oct. 3–4 at the Rio Folia festival in Rio Grande do Piauí.