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The Carnival in Pernambuco, concentrated in the sister cities of Olinda and Recife, is famous for its Frevo music and diverse blocos (street parties) that bring the streets to life with unique themes.
Unlike the samba-driven parades of Rio, Pernambuco’s Carnival is an immersive street festival where thousands of revelers dance through historic cobblestone streets, following massive puppets, costumed musicians, and brass bands. Recife is home to Galo da Madrugada, the world’s largest Carnival bloco, while Olinda is famous for its giant bonecos (puppets) and traditional lyrical blocos.
Each bloco has its own distinct theme, history, and anthem, from the superhero-inspired Enquanto Isso na Sala da Justiça to the elegant Bloco da Saudade, ensuring that no two celebrations are ever the same. Whether led by maracatu drums, adorned in vibrant fantasias (costumes), or waving the traditional ombrelone (small umbrella) of frevo dancers, Pernambuco’s Carnival is a festival that blends African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences into one of the most traditional and authentic street parties in the world.
Don't have time to read the whole article? > Find last minute accommodation in Recife > Find last minute accommodation in Olinda > Make sure you're prepared with my Carnival packing check-list
Bloco Schedule for Olinda & Recife Carnival, 2025
The official bloco schedule for Carnival 2025 in Recife, Olinda, and other locations in the state of Pernambuco has now been released!
You can also see the Bloco schedule on other sites such as Bloco da Rua, which shows the schedule for all cities in Brazil, and on instagram.
Top 10 blocos in Olinda & Recife Carnival 2025
Here are 10 of the most popular blocos, their themes, and how to dress to match them:
1. Galo da Madrugada (Rooster of the Dawn) – Recife
Theme: Recognized by the Guinness Book as the largest Carnival bloco in the world, Galo da Madrugada parades on the first Saturday of Carnival. Established in 1978, its emblematic figure is an enormous, multicolored rooster, perched over the city’s streets, leading a parade of millions of people. Accompanied by orchestras playing frevo music, the bloco’s anthem "Hino do Galo da Madrugada" is sung by the crowd.
What to Wear:
A shirt with the bloco’s official logo (widely available in Recife)
Bright, colorful clothing to match the festive frevo energy
Accessories featuring rooster motifs
Comfortable shoes for hours of dancing
2. Homem da Meia-Noite (Midnight Man) – Olinda
Theme: This bloco marks the official start of Olinda’s Carnival at midnight on Saturday with a giant puppet dressed in an elegant suit and top hat. Created in 1932, the Homem da Meia-Noite is one of the most anticipated figure of Olinda’s Carnival, and is a symbol of tradition, mystery, and excitement. As he emerges onto the cobbled streets, thousands of people cheer his arrival. The bloco’s anthem is “Hino do Homem da Meia-Noite”.
What to Wear:
A black-and-white outfit to match the puppet’s classic look
A top hat or mask to add a mysterious vibe
3. Encontro dos Bonecos Gigantes (Meeting of the Giant Puppets) – Olinda
Theme: A spectacular gathering of Olinda’s famous giant puppets, this bloco showcases enormous, handcrafted figures representing famous personalities, folklore characters, and local legends. The streets fill with color and tradition as these puppets dance above the crowd.
What to Wear:
Bright, playful clothing that stands out in the crowd.
Face paint or a mask to match the puppet bright colourful aesthetic
4. Pitombeira dos Quatro Cantos – Olinda
Theme: Founded in 1947, Pitombeira dos Quatro Cantos is one of Olinda’s most beloved and traditional blocos, known for its yellow-and-black theme and its dedication to celebrating frevo’s playful spirit. As the bloco parades through Olinda’s historic streets, a contagious energy spreads among the crowd, with non-stop dancing throughout the bloco. This bloco’s anthem is “Hino da Pitombeira”.
What to Wear:
The official yellow and black Pitombeira t-shirt or similar colors.
Festive shorts or skirts for a tropical look.
Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.
5. Elefante de Olinda (Elephant of Olinda) – Olinda
Theme: Founded in 1952, Elefante de Olinda is one of the most beloved Carnival blocos, symbolizing strength, endurance, and tradition. The bloco’s iconic emblem is a proud, marching elephant, and its official anthem, “Hino do Elefante de Olinda”, is one of the most recognizable songs of Pernambuco’s Carnival, played and sung for hours as people dance for hours under the sun.
What to Wear:
A red-and-white outfit, matching the bloco’s colors.
Elephant-themed accessories like masks or face paint.
Light clothes & sunscreen for dancing under the sun.
6. Eu Acho é Pouco (I Think It’s Not Enough) – Olinda
Theme: A bloco that began as a political statement during Brazil’s dictatorship, Eu Acho é Pouco is now Olinda’s most rebellious and eccentric bloco, celebrated for its dragon emblem and its striking red-and-yellow colors. Founded in 1977, the bloco is a symbol of resistance and artistic expression. A young alternative crowd dresses in wild costumes, wigs, and glitter, moving to a mix of frevo and modern beats.
What to Wear:
Red and yellow clothing, preferably with the bloco’s dragon symbol.
Funky accessories like wigs, face paint, or glitter.
A playful attitude—this bloco is all about fun!
7. Sambadeiras – Olinda
Sambadeiras – Samba de Ladeira is the first and largest all-female samba drum group in Olinda, Pernambuco. Founded in 2008, the group brings together over 270 women who use rhythm, energy, and resilience to turn Carnival into a celebration of both Pernambucan culture and female empowerment. Parading through the hills of Olinda, Sambadeiras blend samba, percussion, and joy, drawing crowds while advocating against all forms of oppression and violence against women. More than just a Carnival bloco, Sambadeiras is a cultural and political movement that amplifies women's presence in music and Brazil’s most iconic celebration.
What to Wear:
Purple and silver to match the bloco’s aesthetic
8. Enquanto Isso na Sala da Justiça (Meanwhile in the Hall of Justice) – Olinda
Theme: One of the most imaginative and fun blocos, Enquanto Isso na Sala da Justiça transforms Olinda into a superhero universe. Dress up as comic book characters, mythical figures, and fantasy creatures. Founded in the 1990s, the bloco takes its name from the classic narration of Super Friends cartoons.
What to Wear:
A superhero costume (classic choices include Superman, Wonder Woman, Spider-Man, or even Brazilian-inspired heroes).
A cape or mask to fit the theme.
Comfortable shoes—this bloco gets packed!
9. Ceroula de Olinda – Olinda
Theme: Founded in 1962, Ceroula de Olinda is a traditional bloco dedicated to preserving the roots of frevo. With its signature blue-and-white colors, the bloco’s followers march early in the morning, filling the air with orchestras playing pure frevo tunes. Named after the baggy undergarments (ceroulas) once worn by Carnival dancers, the bloco’s spirit is laid-back and welcoming.
What to Wear:
The official Ceroula t-shirt, or white and blue clothes.
Lightweight, airy clothing since this bloco parades early in the day.
A straw hat or bandana to complete the traditional look.
10. Bloco das Flores (Flower Bloco) – Recife
Theme: Founded in 1920, Bloco das Flores is Recife’s first lyrical bloco, bringing an elegant and romantic touch to Carnival. Inspired by French Belle Époque aesthetics, its signature floral emblems and pastel-colored costumes evoke the Carnival balls of the early 20th century. The bloco’s anthems, such as "Bloco das Flores", are sung in harmony.
What to Wear:
Floral prints or vintage-style dresses inspired by old Carnival traditions.
Elegant hats or feathered headpieces.
Light makeup with classic touches (red lipstick, face glitter).
11. Bacalhau do Batata (Batata’s Codfish) – Olinda
Theme: Carnival never truly ends with Bacalhau do Batata, a bloco that parades on Ash Wednesday, giving one last chance to celebrate. Created in the 1960s by a waiter named Batata, who worked during Carnival and could never party, the bloco became a tradition for those who wanted one final dance. Dressed in green and white, people march through the streets holding codfish props while singing its anthem, and singing “A Vida Inteira Vou Amar o Bacalhau”, in defiance against the end of Carnival.
What to Wear:
The bloco’s green and white colors.
Codfish-themed accessories (funny hats, painted fish designs, or seafood prints).
12. Maracatu Nação Pernambuco – Recife
Theme: A bloco that honors Pernambuco’s Afro-Brazilian heritage, Maracatu Nação Pernambuco brings the deep, thunderous beats of Maracatu to the streets of Recife. Women parade dressed as Orixás, deities of Candomblé and Umbanda, two Afro-Brazilian religions. The sound of alfaias (large drums), agbês, and gonguês resonates through the city.
What to Wear:
African-inspired prints and vibrant colors
Beaded necklaces
For more tips, don't forget to check my full Carnival packing list or get some more inspiration for Carnival outfits
General Tips for Carnival Wear
Comfort is key: Lightweight, breathable clothing and comfy footwear for walking and dancing.
Fanny pack / bum bag: I recommend anti-theft fanny pack that has lockable zippers and cannot be cut. Or, use a fun party fanny-pack to carry glitter and other bits and pieces, together with a hidden money belt to hide your phone and money under your clothes.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, a good sunscreen, and hats are essential for daytime blocos.
Hydration: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Also get a sling so you don't have to carry it.
Accessories: Fun wigs, glitter, face paint, headbands, sunglasses, or anything else bright and colourful.
What was your favourite bloco at the Olinda Carnival? Let me know in the comments below!
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