Horror Expo 2024 was an event that left a mark on São Paulo's cultural scene, solidifying itself as the largest and most comprehensive Halloween celebration in Brazil. Held on November 9th and 10th at the Pro Magno Event Center, the convention gathered thousands of horror enthusiasts, curious onlookers, professionals, and renowned personalities, all immersed in a program that combined entertainment, culture, and interactive experiences.
The history of Horror Expo began in 2019, when a group of horror fans and professionals identified the need for an event that could serve the Brazilian audience with the same grandeur as the major international events. The initial idea was ambitious: to create a convention that would not only offer traditional panels and attractions but also provide an immersive experience for fans of all kinds.
In 2024, the Expo presented a combination of attractions, talks, interactive activities, and special guests that reflected the event’s growth and evolution. A major highlight was the presence of Ross Marquand, known for his role in "The Walking Dead" and the "Avengers" films, bringing an internationally recognized figure from the horror and fantasy genre. Another standout guest was Dacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of Bram Stoker, the creator of "Dracula," who brought a historical connection to one of the horror genre’s most iconic literary figures. The opportunity to meet these stars created long lines and excitement among fans, who had the chance to hear their stories and participate in autograph sessions and interactive panels.
The 2024 edition also invested in national content, promoting workshops and talks with renowned Brazilian professionals. Filmmaker Rubens Mello and writer Raphael Fernandes were among the specialists who shared their journeys, techniques, and inspirations, covering everything from the production of horror cinema to the creation of narratives that resonate with local culture. These formative moments were highly valued by participants, who found in them an opportunity to learn directly from the professionals who shape the horror scene in Brazil.
One of the most anticipated attractions was the themed booths and sets inspired by horror classics such as "The Exorcist" and "Chucky." These areas were designed to provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore intricately detailed settings that directly evoked iconic scenes from these works. This type of setup allowed fans to dive into their favorite horror worlds, making the experience even more memorable and impactful.
Another highlight was the Zombie Apocalypse Horror Maze, where visitors navigated through the eerie remnants of a devastated world, facing zombies and challenges around every corner. This attraction combined fear and fun, quickly becoming a favorite among visitors looking for a more intense, realistic horror experience. For those seeking further challenges, there were also escape rooms with horror themes, where groups needed to solve puzzles to "escape" before time ran out, adding an element of challenge and immersion to the event experience.
In the realm of cinema, Horror Expo 2024 featured a selection of films in partnership with the Boca do Inferno festival, known for its work in promoting horror in Brazil. The lineup included both short and feature-length films, national and international, offering a comprehensive cinematic experience for genre fans. Visitors had the chance to enjoy a marathon of films exploring various facets of horror in an environment where cinema was celebrated as an essential part of the horror universe.
The event also kicked off with an opening party, the Esquenta Horror Expo Party, held on the evening of November 8th, which was an animated preview of what was to come. With a performance by the band Infected Rain and Halloween-themed DJ sets, the party was a hit and set the tone for the weekend, showcasing the energy and commitment of the audience to the event.
Alongside all these attractions, Horror Expo 2024 also showed a social side, with a ticket campaign offering discounts in exchange for pet food donations. This gesture reinforced the importance of community and the social commitment represented by the event, attracting not only horror fans but also those engaged in social causes.
In the end, the 2024 edition was an undeniable success, establishing Horror Expo as the leading horror event in Latin America and a major milestone on São Paulo's cultural calendar. The experience went beyond entertainment: it was a celebration of passion and dedication to the genre that captivated the audience and reaffirmed their love for horror.
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