Carnival street parties

Once you've snagged your tickets for the parades and the nighttime parties, it's time to plan your daytime adventures. The challenge (or the delight, depending on your perspective) is that there are so many options that you'll be tempted to return year after year to experience them all.

With over 500 street parties to choose from every day, catering to various themes, ages, and tastes, the renowned Carnival Blocos are where the true magic unfolds. Sporting quirky names, easy accessibility, and a laid-back vibe, they offer a completely different experience from the Sambadrome parade or a swanky gala at Copacabana Palace. Blocos are particularly popular among the younger crowd and can be enjoyed both before and after Carnival in the "Pre" and "Post-Carnival" periods.

The Roots of the Blocos:

The foundation stones of Samba Schools can be traced back to the Blocos and Cordões of street carnival. The tradition, which dates as far back as 1886, saw Cordões uniting revelers clad in themed costumes, parading through the city streets in an orderly line, following the master's whistle and the rhythmic beat of drums.

The Blocos, which took the place of the Cordões in the subsequent century, are known for their more relaxed structure. Costume requirements are generally non-existent, and the only common thread that binds them is the lively music provided by a live band or a sound system on a car.

In recent years, Blocos have experienced a resurgence in not only Rio but also in cities across Brazil. These vibrant street parties meander through neighborhoods, drawing in residents from the surrounding areas. In Rio, the South Zone reigns supreme as the epicenter of Blocos' exuberance.

Here are some exceptional Blocos from recent years:

• Banda de Ipanema

• Bangalafumenga

• Bloco das Poderosas

• Bloco do Sargento Pimenta

• Carmelitas

• Céu na Terra

• Cordão da Bola Preta

• Cordão do Boi Tolo

• Empurra Que Pega

• Fogo e Paixão

• Não Deixe o Rock Morrer

• Pede Passagem

• Que Merda É Essa

• Simpatia É Quase Amor

• Suvaco do Cristo

• Technobloco

For the ultimate guide to navigating the street parties during Carnival and accessing a comprehensive list of Blocos along with their meeting times, you can't go wrong with the "Blocos de Rua Carnaval" app.
It's available for both iPhone and Android devices, ensuring you stay in the know while having a blast!