The Bloco Ritaleena is one of the most emblematic carnival blocks in São Paulo, created in 2015 to honor the iconic singer and composer Rita Lee. Founded by Alessandra Camarinha, a musician, and Yumi Sakate, a costume designer, the block combines the irreverence and femininity of Rita Lee's work with the energy of the São Paulo carnival.
History and Origin
The name "Ritaleena" is a play on the name Rita Lee and the drug Ritalin, used to treat ADHD. The idea came from the founders' desire to create a block that celebrated a strong female figure and was also a tribute to the city of São Paulo. From the beginning, the block aimed to highlight the freedom, irreverence, and breaking of paradigms that Rita Lee represented. The singer supported the initiative during her lifetime, even interacting with the parades through mutual friends.After Rita Lee's death in 2023, the block gained even more relevance, becoming a celebration of the artist's legacy. The theme of the 2024 parade, for example, was "Rita Infinita – To Paint Your Name in the Sky", highlighting the spiritual and cultural connection she left behind.
Repertoire
Ritaleena's repertoire consists of carnival reinterpretations of Rita Lee's songs. Hits like "Mania de Você", "Baila Comigo", "Ovelha Negra", "Agora Só Falta Você", and "Jardins da Babilônia" are adapted to rhythms such as marchinhas, frevo, samba reggae, and even funk carioca. This mixture guarantees a unique identity to the block, pleasing both fans of the artist and revelers in general.
Composition and Production
The block is mostly composed of women, from the band to the production. The band has five women and four men, while the entire support team is made up of women. This structure reflects the feminist ideals that permeate both Rita Lee's legacy and the values of the block. In addition, young talents from the Cotia region have stood out in the block, such as Aimê and Vinícius Uehara, who bring a rich artistic background thanks to their involvement with local cultural projects.
Audience
Ritaleena attracts a diverse audience, including entire families, dedicated Rita Lee fans, and revelers looking for a different carnival experience. The block does not focus on "hooking up", but rather on celebrating music and culture. In 2023, it attracted around 50,000 people in a single parade.
Trajectory
Since its debut on the streets of Vila Madalena in 2015, Ritaleena has grown considerably. To avoid problems such as overcrowding and harassment, the route has been changed over the years to larger locations, such as Avenida Sumaré. This change improved the experience of the revelers and reinforced the block's commitment to safety and comfort.
Legacy
Bloco Ritaleena is not just a musical tribute; it is also a cultural movement that celebrates the feminine strength and irreverence that defined Rita Lee as an artist and person. It continues to be one of the biggest highlights of the São Paulo carnival, attracting crowds with its contagious energy and respect for the memory of the "Queen of Brazilian Rock".
