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What are blocos de carnaval? Bloco schedule for Brazil Carnaval, 2025

The blocos, also called "bloco de rua" or "bloco de carnaval", are community-organized street parties that have become the lifeblood of Brazil's Carnival. Unlike the grandiose parades of the Sambadrome, which showcase the artistry of samba schools in a competitive format, blocos are open, inclusive gatherings where anyone can join the festivities. These street celebrations date back to the 19th century, evolving from informal neighborhood gatherings into the vibrant and diverse events they are today.


Each bloco has a unique identity, often centered on a theme that influences its music, costumes, and overall vibe. Their themes often celebrate local traditions, historical events, or cultural icons, with music ranging from samba and frevo to axé and funk. Some are small and intimate, attracting locals with acoustic samba ensembles, while others, like the Cordão da Bola Preta at Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro, or Galo da Madrugada in Recife, draw millions to the streets.


Blocos serve as a cultural and social cornerstone during Carnaval, providing an accessible platform for self-expression, creativity, and community building. Beyond the festivities, blocos also play a crucial role in preserving and promoting regional cultural identities, offering a space where people can engage with music, dance, and narratives tied to their heritage.


Some of the most famous blocos are held at Carnaval de Rio de Janeiro - Brazil's biggest carnival celebration. hether in the cobblestone alleys of Olinda, the bustling avenues of São Paulo, or the historic streets of Salvador, blocos epitomize the spirit of Carnival by bringing people together to celebrate joy, resilience, and the shared love of Brazilian culture.


Here are some of the most famous Blocos de Carnaval held each year

There are literally hundreds of blocos that are held during Carnival, with different themes and costumes. The Carnaval celebrations in each region of Brazil typically focus on different genre of music, though of course you will also find a few blocos playing different genres of music as well. Here is just a selection of some blocos that you might attend during Carnaval in 2025:


Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro – Samba

Crowd of people dressed in yellow sunflower costumes
  • Cordão da Bola Preta - Founded in 1918, this bloco is the oldest in Rio and parades through downtown, featuring black-and-white polka-dot costumes and samba music. It attracts over one million attendees annually.

  • Bloco das Carmelitas - Inspired by the legend of a runaway nun, this bloco starts in the Santa Teresa neighborhood. Participants dress in nun costumes and parade down cobblestone streets while celebrating samba traditions.

  • Monobloco - Created in 2000, Monobloco performs a blend of samba, funk, and maracatu. It gathers large percussion ensembles and draws thousands to Rio's city center for an energetic parade.

  • Sargento Pimenta - This Beatles-themed bloco, established in 2011, performs samba and Brazilian renditions of Beatles classics. Attendees often wear costumes inspired by the Beatles or their lyrics.

  • Bloco do Barbas - Active since 1981, this neighborhood bloco in Botafogo is known for playful traditions, including spraying attendees with water hoses from residents' homes along the route.

  • Desce Mas Não Sobe - Attendees gather at the top of Santa Teresa’s hills and walk down in a lively parade that celebrates traditional samba music and the scenic, historic neighborhood.


Carnaval de Olinda, Pernambuco – Frevo

Giant puppets parade down the narrow streets of Olinda
  • Olinda’s Giant Puppets - Known for its towering puppets, this bloco celebrates Pernambuco's culture. The parade navigates Olinda's narrow streets while traditional frevo music plays.

  • Eu Acho É Pouco - Created in 1977, this bloco is politically engaged and features a red-and-yellow dragon theme. It focuses on frevo music and draws attention to social causes.

  • Bloco das Flores - Founded in 1922, this bloco is known for floral costumes and traditional frevo, celebrating Pernambuco's music and craftsmanship.

  • Elefante de Olinda - Established in 1952, this bloco features colorful elephant-themed costumes and frevo music as it parades through Olinda's historic streets.

  • Pitombeira dos Quatro Cantos - Active since 1947, this bloco uses a yellow-and-black theme and traditional frevo to create a high-energy parade in Olinda.


Carnaval de Recife, Pernambuco – Frevo

  • Galo da Madrugada - Recognized as the world's largest bloco, it starts early in the morning and brings millions to Recife's streets. It features frevo bands, colorful floats, and elaborate costumes.

  • Bloco da Saudade - This bloco honors Recife’s carnival traditions with vintage costumes and nostalgic frevo songs that evoke early 20th-century carnival celebrations.


Carnaval de Salvador, Bahia – Axé

Aerial view of huge crowds following a Trio Electrico (music truck) by the sea
  • Ilê Aiyê - Founded in 1974 in the Curuzu neighborhood, Ilê Aiyê is the first Afro bloco in Brazil. It highlights Yoruba traditions and African heritage through samba afro, drum ensembles, and elaborately designed costumes.

  • Navio Pirata - Created by the band BaianaSystem, this bloco blends reggae sound systems, Bahian guitar, and Afro-Brazilian rhythms like afoxé and samba-reggae. The trio elétrico engages the audience in a collective musical experience led by vocalist Russo Passapusso.

  • Bloco Olodum - Founded in 1979 in Pelourinho, Olodum uses its themes to celebrate the African diaspora through costumes designed by artists. It’s a symbol of Salvador’s cultural resistance and African pride. The bloco became an NGO in the 1980s and promotes racial equality, music education, and social revitalization.


Carnaval de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

  • Baianas Ozadas - Created in 2012, this bloco brings Bahia’s axé culture to Belo Horizonte. Participants dress in baiana-inspired outfits and enjoy samba and axé music.

  • Quando Come Se Lambuza - Known for mixing samba, funk, and pop, this bloco attracts attendees with creative costumes and diverse music playlists.


Carnaval de São Paulo

  • Bloco do Beco - Founded in 2002 in Vila Madalena, Bloco do Beco promotes cultural preservation and community empowerment through its carnival parade. It later expanded into year-round cultural activities, offering music, dance, and civic education.

  • Acadêmicos do Baixo Augusta - This bloco celebrates São Paulo’s downtown with parades that mix samba and pop. It often features politically charged themes and encourages creative, eclectic costumes.

  • Tarado Ni Você - Dedicated to Caetano Veloso, this bloco brings his tropicalia songs to São Paulo's carnival, accompanied by samba beats and attendees dressed in creative tributes to the artist.


Carnaval de Paraty

Crowds of people covered in black mud parade down the street
  • Bloco da Lama - A unique Carnaval experience, in which attendees cover themselves in mud and parade through the streets following a truck playing local music. Read my guide to attending Paraty's Mud Carnaval (Bloco da Lama).


Tickets for Rio de Janeiro Carnaval, 2025

Read my free guide on how to get tickets for the Sambadrome

The good news is - most blocos are free and do not require tickets for entry. However, if you are still hoping to visit the Sambadrome, tickets are running low. Even though official channels have sold out, you can still find tickets through reputable third-party sellers.


You can click here to check ticket availability and get your hands on one of the final tickets. There are also a few tickets remaining for those who prefer tickets that come with a transport or shuttle service.


Bloco Schedule for Brazil's Carnaval, 2025

To find out the list of blocos for the 2025 Carnaval, and the schedule for the blocos near you, follow these links:

  • List of blocos in Rio de Janeiro - schedule

  • List of blocos in Salvador - schedule

  • List of blocos in Recife & Olinda - schedule

  • List of blocos in Sao Paulo - schedule

  • List of blocos in Belo Horizonte - schedule

  • List of blocos in Florianopolis - schedule


What is your favorite bloco? Let me know in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: Some of my posts contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a ticket through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to keep providing helpful content. Thank you for your support!

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