Simpatia é quase Amor
Every year , more than 400 different types of local bands or blocos organize their own parties and parades during Rio de Janeiro carnival celebrations.
Those parties are free and some of them can gather up to dozens of thousands of people.
Here is a list of the most famous Carnival Street Blocos:
Cordão do Bola Preta
Created in 1918, the Cordão do Bola Preta is one of the most traditional carnival bands in Rio , and they usually parade on Saturday ( Feb. 2nd, 2008) , at Cinelandia (downtown Area). The band starts very early (around 8:00 am).
Simpatia é quase Amor
The Simpatia Bloco parades every carnival Sunday (Feb. 3rd, 2008) , party starts around 2 pm at General Osório square in Ipanema.
Monobloco
One of the newest blocos in Rio. Created in 2000 as a percussion workshop , Monobloco mixes samba percussion with modern rhythms such as rock, funk and pop music. They parade at Copacabana Beach
Suvaco de Cristo
This band was born in Jardim Botânico area ( Botanic Garden) , and they usually keep their parade schedule as a secret until the last minute.
Carmelitas
The Carmelitas Bloco parades at the traditional neighborhood of “ Santa Teresa” , and it is a great opportunity to know one of the most charming parts of Rio. Fridays and Tuesdays of carnival (Feb. 1st and 5th, 2008).
