Simpatia É Quase Amor: The Carnival Block That Conquered the Heart of Rio
In the vibrant setting of Brazilian Carnival, one bloco (street band) has stood out not only for its magnitude but also for its rich history and cultural identity. Simpatia É Quase Amor is one of the main street blocos in Rio de Janeiro, known for its contagious energy and unique trajectory.
1. Complete History of the Bloco
Simpatia É Quase Amor was founded in 1985, amidst the Diretas Já (Direct Elections Now) campaign. After the so-called "resumption" of street blocos in Rio de Janeiro, some young people from Ipanema decided to create a bloco to take advantage of the instruments bought for a Flamengo fan club, FlaDiretas. The Dante de Oliveira Amendment, which sought the redemocratization of Brazil, was not approved in the National Congress, and thus, the Simpatia É Quase Amor bloco was born. In its first year, the bloco had about 300 people, while in 2015, more than 170,000 people attended the parade[1].
2. Founders and Important Figures
The bloco was created by young people from the FlaDiretas campaign in Ipanema, who were inspired by a character from the book of chronicles "Rua dos Artistas e Arredores" by Aldir Blanc, Esmeraldo Simpatia é Quase Amor. Dona Zica da Mangueira and the founder of Banda de Ipanema, Albino Pinheiro, are considered godparents of the bloco[1].
3. Musical Identity
Simpatia É Quase Amor is known for its samba enredo (theme song), which historicizes the origin of the bloco and its struggles. In 2016, the bloco presented the samba "Simpatia vai Passar," which honored the singer Chico Buarque de Hollanda, who was persecuted during the military dictatorship and more recently a victim of attacks of political intolerance[1].
4. Traditions and Rituals
The bloco has unique characteristics that distinguish it. Its traditional costumes are inspired by the Carioca culture and the spirit of the Diretas Já campaign. The official colors of the bloco are blue and white, which symbolize freedom and democracy[1].
5. Territory and Belonging
Simpatia É Quase Amor originates from the neighborhood of Ipanema, the place where the bloco always holds its rehearsals and parades. The traditional route of the parade is notable, passing through famous streets of Ipanema and attracting thousands of revelers[1].
6. Evolution and Historical Milestones
Over the years, Simpatia É Quase Amor has had important moments. In 2015, the bloco reached a historical record with more than 170,000 people attending the parade. In addition, the presentation of the samba "Simpatia vai Passar" in 2016 was an important milestone in the history of the bloco[1].
7. Cultural Impact
Simpatia É Quase Amor has had a significant impact on the cultural scene of Rio de Janeiro. The bloco not only contributes to the carnival atmosphere but also serves as a platform for cultural and political expression. The interaction with the local community is intense, with many residents of Ipanema actively participating in the parade[1].
8. Current Structure
Simpatia É Quase Amor is organized by a team of dedicated volunteers. The current structure includes a large number of components, with a samba band known for its enthusiastic performances and traditional instruments such as caixas (snare drums), pandeiros (tambourines), and trombones[1].
9. Popular Participation
Popular participation in Simpatia É Quase Amor is one of its main characteristics. Annually, the