The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is world-famous for its samba parades, lively street blocos (parties), and electrifying atmosphere that takes over the city. Blocos are street parties organized by different groups, each with its own unique theme, music, and traditions. These blocos range from small neighborhood gatherings to massive parades with tens of thousands of people.
Some of the most famous blocos include Cordão da Bola Preta, which attracts over a million people dressed in black and white polka dots, and Bloco do Sargento Pimenta, which creatively mixes Beatles songs with samba rhythms. Bloco das Carmelitas is another well-known event, inspired by the tale of a nun escaping a convent to join the festivities, with participants dressing as nuns.
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Bloco Schedule for Rio de Janeiro Carnival, 2025
The official bloco schedule for Carnival 2025 in Rio de Janeiro has now been released!
You can also see the Bloco schedule on other sites such as Blocos de Rua, which shows the schedule for all cities in Brazil, and on instagram.
Top 12 blocos in Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2025
Here are 12 of the most popular blocos, their themes, and how to dress to match them:
Cordão da Bola Preta – Centro
Theme: Founded in 1918, Cordão da Bola Preta is one of the oldest and largest blocos in Rio, drawing crowds of over a million people. Participants traditionally wear black and white polka dots in honor of the bloco's signature aesthetic while singing along to classic Carnival marches.
What to Wear:
Black-and-white polka dot outfits
Fun accessories like feather boas and hats
Comfortable shoes for hours of dancing
Monobloco – Centro
Theme: A percussion-heavy bloco that started as a drumming workshop, Monobloco blends samba with funk, maracatu, and other Brazilian rhythms, attracting thousands of people.
What to Wear:
Monobloco's official shirt or bright, tropical colors
Comfortable sneakers or sandals
A percussion instrument (optional) to join in the rhythm
Sérgio Mallandro – Copacabana
Theme: A bloco inspired by the famous Brazilian comedian Sérgio Mallandro, known for playful pranks and nostalgic references to 80s and 90s Brazilian pop culture.
What to Wear:
Wacky and mismatched clothing
Funny hats and sunglasses
A sense of humor
Bloco das Carmelitas – Santa Teresa
Theme: Inspired by the legend of a nun who escaped her convent to join Carnival, this bloco parades twice—once when she "escapes" and again when she "returns." Participants wear nun costumes in the hilly streets of Santa Teresa.
What to Wear:
A nun or priest costume
Comfortable shoes for the hilly streets
A playful attitude
Simpatia é Quase Amor – Ipanema
Theme: One of the most popular blocos in Rio, held in the heart of Ipanema. The bloco parades in Ipanema, and its colors of yellow and lilac are inspired by the medicine Engov, used to prevent hangovers. The battle cry of the bloco is "Hello bourgeoisie of Ipanema".
What to Wear:
Yellow and purple, the bloco’s signature colors
Beachwear-inspired outfits
Glitter and fun accessories like sunglasses and beads
Banda de Ipanema – Ipanema
Theme: A historic bloco founded in 1965, known for its diverse and inclusive spirit, with a strong LGBTQ+ presence. Featuring live brass bands playing classic Carnival marches.
What to Wear:
Drag-inspired outfits or glamorous costumes
Glitter, wigs, and feathers
Sunglasses for the sunny beachside parade
Suvaco do Cristo – Jardim Botânico
Theme: Named after its location “under Christ’s armpit” (referring to the Christ the Redeemer statue), this bloco parades around the Jardim Botanico area and features political satire.
What to Wear:
Green and yellow to match the Brazilian flag
Floral prints or jungle-inspired outfits
Comfortable shoes for the long walk
Bloco do Sargento Pimenta – Flamengo
Theme: A Beatles-themed bloco that plays samba and Brazilian rhythms mixed with classic Beatles songs.
What to Wear:
Beatles-inspired outfits (Sgt. Pepper, Abbey Road looks, etc.)
Fun 60s accessories like round sunglasses
Bloco das Poderosas (Bloco da Anitta) – Centro
Theme: Created by Brazilian pop star Anitta, this bloco is all about high-energy dance music, flashy outfits, and an electric pop-meets-samba atmosphere.
What to Wear:
Glittery, pop-star-inspired outfits
Crop tops, short skirts, and neon accessories
Fogo e Paixão – Flamengo
Theme: A bloco dedicated to Brazilian love songs, this party has a nostalgic and romantic vibe with classic brega hits.
What to Wear:
Red and pink outfits, representing passion
Heart-shaped accessories or love-themed face paint
Sunglasses to channel that old-school romantic look
Orquestra Voadora – Flamengo
Theme: A brass-band bloco that delivers a high-energy surreal experience with musicians playing everything from samba to rock and jazz.
What to Wear:
Funky, colorful clothing with a circus or carnival vibe
Face paint and glitter for an extra whimsical touch
Comfortable shoes for dancing along with the marching band
Gigantes da Lira – Laranjeiras
Theme: A family-friendly bloco inspired by circus performances, featuring clowns, jugglers, and stilt walkers, making it a favorite for children and adults alike.
What to Wear:
Clown costumes or colorful wigs
Face paint or masks
Playful, child-friendly accessories
General Tips for Carnival Wear
Comfort is key: Lightweight, breathable clothing and comfy footwear for walking and dancing.
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, feathers, or anything else bright and colourful.
For more tips, don't forget to check my full Carnival packing list or get some more inspiration for Carnival outfits
What was your favourite bloco at the Rio Carnival? Let me know in the comments below!
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