What is an abadá, and how to customise it for Carnival in Brazil
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Brazilian Carnival is one of the world’s most vibrant, chaotic, and colourful festivals, known for its energetic street parties (blocos), samba parades, and extravagant costumes. One lesser known, but important, part of Carnival fashion is the abadá.
If you're planning to attend a Camarote, a closed bloco, or other private events, you'll need to understand what an abadá is and how you can (and can't) customise it.
What is an Abadá?
An abadá is a brightly coloured branded t-shirt that serves as your entry ticket for certain camarotes, private blocos, and other events during Brazilian Carnival. These shirts are typically printed with the Camarote or bloco's name, sponsor logos, and the colour theme of the specific event.
The concept originated from the Afoxé groups in Salvador, Bahia, but has since spread to major Carnival cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Many blocos, particularly in Salvador and Recife & Olinda, have their own abadá. In Rio, they are more associated with Camarotes and private events. Wearing it grants access to specific events, sometimes including VIP areas and open bars.
However, Carnival is about costumes and fashion, and so customising your shirt is an important step in creating your unique look for the day.
How to Customise Your Abadá
Customising an abadá is a perfect way to show your creativity and unique style, even when everyone is wearing the same shirt. Remember, no matter how you customise it, you must continue to show the main logo on the shirt.
Here are some popular ways to transform your abadá into a stylish Carnival outfit:
1. Cut and Reshape It
Since most abadás come as standard T-shirts, cutting and reshaping them can make them unique. Here are some ideas:
Tank Top or Crop Top: The easiest customisation - cut off the sleeves, collar, and shorten the bottom of the shirt
Cut outs:
Off-the-Shoulder: Cut a wide neckline so the shirt drapes over one or both shoulders
Skirt: Starting with a larger size shirt, cut off the sleeves and widen the neckline to wear it as a skirt instead
Dress: Similarly, starting with a large size shirt, adjust the cut to be worn as a dress. Cut outs, or cutting the top into a bikini style, can make it look more stylish.
2. Add Embellishments
To make your abadá even more eye-catching, consider adding embellishments such as:
Rhinestones, Sequins and Beads: Glue or sew on rhinestones, sequins, or beads. Hand-sew or glue these onto the fabric to match your own vibe.
Lace and chains: Attach lace, chains, or other adornments to the sleeves or neckline.
4. Knot, Twist, and Tie
If you don’t want to cut your abadá, you can still make it look stylish by knotting it at the waist or tying the sleeves in creative ways. Use fabric clips, safety pins, or knots to adjust the fit without permanently altering the shirt.
Follow this video for some more inspiration:
Ready to go to Carnival?
An abadá is more than just a T-shirt; it’s a key part of the Brazilian Carnival experience. Customising your abadá allows you to showcase your personality, enhance your comfort, and embrace the energy of the party. Whether you opt for a stylish crop top, glamorous embellishments, or bold accessories, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the Carnival in your unique style!
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