Sao Paulo , Brazil ( CNN ) -- Sao Paulo is the scene of another night of protests in Brazil , with demonstrators calling for a government more responsive to Brazilians ' needs . Protests have been staged in major cities across the country , but Sao Paulo was the focal point of Tuesday 's marches . The thousands who gathered were mostly peaceful , and the atmosphere was almost festive . But at least one small group unsuccessfully tried to force their way into a municipal building . Police for the most part stood back , but repelled those who tried to enter the government building by bashing its windows with police barriers . Brazilians say they are angry about high taxes , corruption , and lavish spending on the upcoming World Cup soccer tournament , among other complaints . Protests on Monday were the largest in the country in at least 20 years . President Dilma Rousseff said Tuesday their message was being heard . `` The direct message from the streets is for more citizenship , better schools , better hospitals , better health , for direct participation , '' she said in a nationally televised address . `` My government is trying and committed to social transformation . '' The feeling among the protesters is that they are paying into a system that is not giving them back enough in return . `` It 's all about national priorities , '' said Fernando Jones , a CNN iReporter who participated in protests in Rio de Janeiro . `` We want health , we want education . '' Brazilians like himself find themselves asking how the government is using their taxes for its citizens , while watching as millions are spent on preparations for the World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games . `` People ca n't take it anymore , '' he said . Thousands protest over rising costs of 2014 World Cup . While praising the largely peaceful protests , Rousseff said that what she characterized as `` isolated and minor acts of violence '' should be confronted `` with vigor . '' Government officials say they recognize the protester 's freedom of expression , but that there is a lack of a unified message from the demonstrators . The country 's investment for the World Cup and Olympics includes money for health and public transportation projects that address some of the protesters ' concerns , Deputy Sports Minister Luis Fernandes said . `` There is absolutely nothing contradictory between organizing a World Cup and investing in health and education , '' he said . Are you there ? Share photos or video , but stay safe . The protests are being organized largely by university students and a group called the Free Fare Movement , which wants public transportation to be free of charge . The protests follow a week of smaller demonstrations that began in response to plans to increase fares for Brazil 's public transportation system , from 3 to 3.20 reais ( $ 1.38 to $ 1.47 ) , but have broadened into wider protests over economic and social issues plaguing the country . Protesters say they are angry about , among other things , government decisions to spend money on the World Cup and other projects instead of improving health care , education and other social programs . Brazil is building stadiums and revamping its infrastructure ahead of the World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games , events that will put the world 's focus on the Latin American nation of 201 million people . What 's really behind the Brazilian riots ? The protests have attracted international attention , and the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Brazilian authorities Tuesday to show restraint in handling protesters . Last week , at least 100 people were injured and 120 arrested after violent clashes between police and protesters in Sao Paulo . Police used rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters and journalists , bringing complaints of brutality and targeting of media covering the events . Shasta Darlington reported from Sao Paulo ; Mariano Castillo wrote from Atlanta ; CNN 's Micheal Pearson , Marilia Brocchetto and Ben Brumfield also contributed to this report .
NEW : Protesters take to the streets once more in Sao Paulo . The protests have been ongoing for over a week now and are expected to continue until at least Monday morning. Brazil is spending heavily on the upcoming World Cup and Olympic Games .