Block parties are the place to be if you want to make the most of Rio’s Carnival. Everyone has heard about the impressive carnival parade in the sambadrome but the blocos (in portoguese) are the real deal to join the locals in the celebrations.
During the days of the Carnival, hundreds of block parties are organised at any given time all around Rio’s neighbourhoods. Being free to join, everyone roaming the streets is welcome to tag along and take out their party spirit. Just imagine that at the busiest carnival times, there can also be more than 300 block parties (official and non) happening at the same time!!!
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And when its time to party, it can be hard to decide which blocos to attend and which to leave for your next visit. Too busy, too quiet, too far away or too weird… we’ve heard lots of people having a dreadful time trying to “plan-ahead” too much. In all honesty, the key is just to go out, party and let yourself go to Rio’s craziness.
Nonetheless, to make your life simpler here’s our selection of the most famous and/or best block parties to enjoy Rio’s carnival at its best.
Sargento Pimienta
Arguably one of the busiest and more frequented, the Sgt. Pepper Block party is an all-in-one mix of Brazilian beats and Beatles rhythms. Yes, you read that right. This block party is a must for all those Beatles lovers who are willing to party at the sound of their beautiful music.
Keep in mind that its common to see more tourists than locals at this bloco due to its international trend. And don’t worry if you miss it, very often there are more than one parade during the days of the carnival.
For more precise info, check the official website of Sargento Pimienta
Cordao de Bola Preta
If you really want to start the Carnival with a blast, then the bloco of Bola Preta is the way to go. Founded over 100 years ago, over the years it has become the most attended block party of the Rio Carnival.
It’s reported that each year Bola Preta attracts millions of people (let’s emphasise MILLIONS) among tourists and locals ready to party. Make sure to get to the party earlier if you want to march close enough to the band and carts, otherwise you’ll have little chance to do so later on!
For more precise info, check the official website of Cordao de Bola Preta
Carmelitas
And when you thought you’ve seen them all, the bloco Carmelitas will blow your mind. This averagely sized party, often marching around Santa Teresa, has become famous for its unique outfits.
Story says that several years back, while carnival was marching the streets, the will to party of people was so strong that even a noun left her convent to join the celebrations. In memory of that noun willing to bend the rules for carnival, nowadays all the people marching at the Carmelitas wear noun outfits.
For more precise info, check the official website of Carmelitas
Ipanema Band
Declared part of the cultural heritage of Rio de Janeiro back in 2004, the Banda de Ipanema is today one of the most famous and awaited block parties of the city. Featuring quirky personalities, wacky costumes and a vast array of beautiful music the parade is one of a kind.
As you might guess from the name, since the day this bloco was born up until our days, it has always only marched in the neighbourhood of Ipanema. Needless to say that even the cariocas list it among those blocos that you cannot miss while in Rio!
For more precise info, check the official website of Ipanema Band
Suvaco do Cristo
Literally meaning “Armpit of Jesus” the name of this renown block party, only marching in the barrio of Jardim Botânico, has a story dating back years. It all started when a man of the neighbourhood, asserted that the whole place was as literally below the arm of Jesus statue just above him. Later, the founders of the bloco took it up and gave it the name of “Suvaco do Cristo”.
Nowadays, this block party is among the biggest and busiest, attracting nothing but thousands of people from all over the world. Freedom. Rebellion. Craftiness. These are what the block party embodies!
For more precise info, check the facebook page of Suvaco do Cristo
Basic Tips for partying at a Bloco
Bring only the strict necessary – Pickpocketing is pretty common so things like phones, wallets etc… usually make the top of the list.
Bulky reflex cameras are perfectly fine – As crazy as it seems, if you’re partying in a bloco, taking photos will put you in a “safer” position since everybody will be asking you to take pictures of them.
Dress up a little bit – Even if it’s just some last-minute hat, a funny tie or weird outfit the only wrong costume you can wear during carnival is… wearing none!
Stay away from dangerous neighbourhoods – Normally you should stay away from Rio’s dangerous neighbourhoods and even more so during carnival. You wouldn’t like to be a little over the top with your drinks in a potentially dangerous place, right?
Be ready for everything – Let’s be honest here, if you ever been to a music festival you kind of can guess what to expect and at Rio’s Carnival is a step further. Party, drugs, naked people, rivers of alcohol and lots of other weird stuff!
Cheap Drinks & Food – There’s no need to bring along your drinks/food as at all blocos you’ll always find some moving stands selling anything you can think of at a pretty decent price. Whether it’s water, cold beer or hot food, they’ll have everything you need.
Year-round info: To plan ahead which block party to visit check the Sebastiana or Blocos de Rua (the latter often only available during carnival) !
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