The global image of Brazil’s Carnival festivities is that of the Marquês de Sapucaí Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, with crowds gathered on the bleachers to watch samba school parades, complete with extravagant floats, massive drum sections, and stunning costumes.
While this is undoubtedly an integral part of the tradition, the real meat and bones of Brazil’s Carnival occurs elsewhere, in the countless block parties organized all over the country.
Known as blocos, these parties consist of organized street parades open to the public, where bands typically play atop mobile sound trucks, followed around the streets by a crowd of…