Bloco da Praia: Celebrating Carnival with Flavor and Politics

Bloco da Praia is a name used by several independent carnival groups in Brazil. Each bloco has its unique identity, reflecting the nuances of carnival culture in different regions of the country.

History and Tradition

In Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Bloco da Praia was created in 2000 by nine student residences. Its goal was to form a lively bloco that would parade through the city's historic streets, accompanied by the sound of its percussive drumline. In Belo Horizonte, another bloco with the same name emerged in 2023 as a political protest, with participants covered in mud in reference to the victims of the Brumadinho dam disaster.

Musical Identity and Repertoire

The Bloco da Praia of Ouro Preto is known for its energetic and percussive drumline. The bloco's repertoire includes a mix of samba, marchinhas, and axé, ensuring a lively and contagious carnival. In Salvador, Bloco da Praça celebrates a "Tropical Carnival" with a brass band that performs traditional marchinhas.

Practical Information

Ouro Preto

• Date: Carnival 2025
• Location: Historic streets of Ouro Preto

Belo Horizonte

• Date: Carnival 2023 (protest)
• Location: Streets of Belo Horizonte

Social Media and Contact

For more information and updates, follow Bloco da Praia on social media:

• Ouro Preto:
  • Instagram: @blocodapraiaop
  • Facebook: facebook.com/blocopraiadop
• Belo Horizonte:
  • Instagram: @blocodapraiabh
  • Facebook: facebook.com/blocopraiadabh