The 'Tá Pirando, Pirado, Pirou' Block - A Story of Demystification and Joy in Rio's Carnival
In the vibrant setting of Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, there is a bloco (street band) that defies conventions and brings the issue of mental health to light in an innovative and joyful way: the 'Tá Pirando, Pirado, Pirou' Carnival Collective. Founded in December 2004, this bloco is a direct result of the cultural movement to revitalize Rio's street carnival, which sought to transform prejudice against madness into admiration, respect, and a desire for integration[1][3].
Complete History of the Bloco
'Tá Pirando, Pirado, Pirou' was born in a time marked by the need to demystify the idea that people with mental suffering are dangerous. The initial articulation was made by workers from the Philippe Pinel Institute, a psychiatric hospital in Rio de Janeiro[5]. The name of the bloco was inspired by the phrase of reveler Gilson Secundino: "We are not going to make carnival only for those who are inside and have already gone crazy, let's go to the street to play with those who are going crazy... Tá pirando, pirado, pirou. Everyone is together"[3]. Since then, the bloco has opened its wings to madness in Rio's carnival, transforming the Psychiatric Hospital into a symbol of freedom and integration.
Founders and Important Characters
The foundation of 'Tá Pirando, Pirado, Pirou' is credited to a diverse team composed of patients, professionals from the public mental health network, and family members. The psychoanalyst and mental health specialist Alexandre Ribeiro Wanderley is one of the co-founders and coordinators of the bloco, being fundamental in its structuring and growth[1][4].
Other important characters include Gilson Secundino, who initially articulated the idea of the bloco, and patients such as the flag bearer, who is a patient at Ipub/UFRJ, and the master of ceremonies, who is treated at CAPS Franco Baságlia[1].
Musical Identity
The musical identity of 'Tá Pirando, Pirado, Pirou' is a unique mixture of rhythms and styles that reflect the diversity of its components. The repertoire is vast and includes samba themes created specifically for the bloco. In 2024, the theme of the plot was "Crazy, Divine and Wonderful: Women Who Changed the World", honoring important women from the Brazilian and international scenes, such as the psychiatrist Nise da Silveira and the queen of rock Rita Lee[1].
Traditions and Rituals
The traditions of 'Tá Pirando, Pirado, Pirou' are marked by unique rituals that bring together the local community and revelers. The parade always takes place on the Sunday before the official Carnival, starting on Avenida Pasteur, in Urca, in the southern zone of the city, near the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (Unirio)[1]. After a concentration at 2 pm, the sound truck starts moving around 4 pm towards Praia Vermelha, where an acoustic parade takes place with performances by invited blocos and rituals such as the flight of gas balloons and live shows[1].
The traditional costumes of the components are created in the bloco's art workshops, highlighting the personality and creativity of each member. The official colors of the bloco are not specific, but joy and freedom are constant in all presentations.
Territory and Belonging
'Tá Pirando, Pirado, Pirou' has its origin in the Urca neighborhood, where it concentrates from 2 pm before starting to parade. The place has a special historical significance, as it housed the first hospice in Latin America, founded by Emperor D. Pedro II in