The Carnival in Salvador, the heart of Bahia, is an electrifying celebration known for its trio elétrico parades, transforming the city into the world's biggest street party. The music at Carnaval de Salvador is focused on axé and samba-reggae music.
Unlike the samba school processions of Rio, in Salvador’s Carnival millions of people follow behind Trio Elétricos - huge trucks blasting music, leading a moving parade through the city. The city’s main circuits for the trio eletricos are Osmar (Campo Grande), Dodô (Barra-Ondina), and Batatinha (Pelourinho).
Each bloco has its own identity, history, and signature anthem, from the powerful Afro-Brazilian beats of Ilê Aiyê and Olodum to the Filhos de Gandhy, who spread peace and good vibes with their signature perfume.
Whether following behind a trio eletrico or joining a pipoca (the crowd that dances freely without a bloco), or enjoying a camarote (VIP viewing area), Salvador’s Carnival is an unparalleled fusion of African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influences—an intoxicating, high-energy street festival like no other.
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Don't have time to read the whole article? > Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Salvador > Find cheap bus tickets to Salvador > Make sure you're prepared with my Carnival packing check-list
Bloco Schedule for Salvador Carnival, 2025
The official bloco schedule for Carnival 2025 in Salvador 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 12 blocos at Salvador Carnival 2025
Here are 12 of the most popular blocos, their themes, and how to dress to match them:
1. Bloco Afrocidade – Pelourinho
Theme: Afrocidade celebrates Afro-Brazilian culture with vibrant drumming and colorful costumes, drawing inspiration from the rich traditions of Salvador's African roots. The bloco stands out for its strong focus on social and cultural empowerment, engaging in activism while bringing people together through music and dance.
What to Wear:
Colorful, Afro-Brazilian-inspired clothing
Accessories like beads and headscarves
2. Bloco Ilê Aiyê – Curuzu (Liberdade)
Theme: Ilê Aiyê is a historic Afro bloco that has become a symbol of Black pride. It showcases Afro-Brazilian rhythms, powerful drum beats, and a celebration of African heritage in Salvador. The bloco is one of the first to highlight African heritage in Salvador's Carnival and has remained a vital voice for Black culture.
What to Wear:
Red, yellow and white
Comfortable shoes for dancing
3. Bloco Olodum – Pelourinho
Theme: Olodum is renowned for its powerful drums and Afro-Brazilian rhythms. It represents the Black cultural movement and spreads a message of Black pride and unity. What makes Olodum unique is its international influence, having performed alongside global icons like Michael Jackson and Paul Simon.
What to Wear:
Red, yellow, green, and black clothing
African-inspired accessories
4. Bloco Camaleão – Circuito Barra-Ondina
Theme: Led by Ivete Sangalo, Camaleão is one of the most sought-after blocos. It’s known for its electrifying performances atop a trio elétrico, attracting a massive and devoted fan base. This bloco stands out for its incredible scale and the star power of Ivete Sangalo, who brings an unmatched level of energy and entertainment.
What to Wear:
Bright, bold colors to match the high-energy atmosphere
Comfortable clothing for a fun, electric vibe
5. Bloco Timbalada – Circuito Barra-Ondina
Theme: Timbalada, founded by Carlinhos Brown, is an explosion of percussive rhythms, body paint, and infectious energy, with crowds dancing in unison to its rhythms. Known for its electrifying drumbeats and vibrant body paint, this bloco brings a unique fusion of percussion and dance that's truly mesmerizing.
What to Wear:
Body paint or tribal designs
Vibrant colors to reflect the energetic rhythms
6. Bloco Nativo Pirata – Circuito Barra-Ondina
Theme: Nativo Pirata is the bloco led by the band BaianaSystems, famous for their Brazilian Afro-Rock music. The parade features several trios elétricos, with the final one led by BaianaSystems, creating a wild and chaotic atmosphere that creats a moving mosh-pit. It's an intense experience where participants get swept up in the energy of the crowd, dancing and moving to the music.
What to Wear:
Closed-in shoes for safety in the mosh pit
Avoid jewelry or anything that could get damaged or cause injury
Comfortable clothing that allows for free movement in the crowd
7. Bloco Afoxé Filhos de Gandhy – Pelourinho
Theme: A spiritual and peaceful bloco, Filhos de Gandhy honors Afro-Brazilian traditions, moving through the city in white and blue tunics, playing traditional afoxé rhythms. It is distinct for its serene and almost sacred vibe, as it blends cultural expression with a peaceful, meditative atmosphere.
What to Wear:
White and blue outfits
Blue and white beads for blessings
A white turban
8. Bloco Largadinho – Circuito Barra-Ondina & Campo Grande
Theme: Created by Claudia Leitte, Largadinho combines pop and axé beats. This bloco attracts a youthful crowd who loves to sing and dance along with the music. It is known for its fun, lighthearted atmosphere that draws in crowds with its catchy tunes and high-energy performances.
What to Wear:
Trendy, comfortable clothing for dancing
Sunglasses and playful accessories
Bright colors to match the pop and axé energy
9. Bloco Vumbora – Circuito Barra-Ondina
Theme: Led by Bell Marques, Vumbora is known for its fun and energetic vibe. The bloco attracts large crowds, with its infectious axé rhythms and cheerful atmosphere. Vumbora is unique for its combination of Bell Marques' signature style with a refreshing, youthful energy that defines it as one of the newer stars of Salvador's Carnival.
What to Wear:
Comfortable clothing and accessories to stay cool
Bright, energetic colors to reflect the party vibe
10. Bloco do Eva – Circuito Barra-Ondina
Theme: Bloco Eva, led by Banda Eva, is famous for its upbeat music and youthful crowd, creating an environment of joy and camaraderie on the streets of Salvador. It is distinctive for its lighthearted vibe and the band’s infectious ability to keep revelers dancing from start to finish.
What to Wear:
Colorful, casual clothing
LED sunglasses or carnival masks to add to the festive mood
11. Bloco Nana Banana – Circuito Barra-Ondina
Theme: Bloco do Nana, also known as Vem Com o Gigante Nana, is a vibrant and energetic bloco led by singer Léo Santana. Created in 1993 as an alternative to Camaleão, it has become one of the main blocos in Salvador's Carnival circuit. Over the years, it has been led by other artists like Chiclete com Banana, Ricardo Chaves, and AraKetu. The bloco is known for its lively repertoire, which includes pagode baiano, arrocha, and other local rhythms. The production features bold visual elements and striking costumes.
What to Wear:
Casual, tropical clothing
Bandanas or caps to complete the look
12. Bloco Me Abraça – Circuito Barra-Ondina
Theme: Created by Durval Lélys, Me Abraça is all about joy, connection, and non-stop partying, with an unforgettable soundtrack that unites revelers in dance and celebration. Its atmosphere of inclusiveness and happiness makes it one of the most beloved and approachable blocos in Salvador’s Carnival.
What to Wear:
Bright, comfortable clothing reflecting the fun and connection theme
Feather boas or playful sunglasses
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 Salvador Carnival? Let me know in the comments below!
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