Carnival is all about music, dancing, and pure joy in the streets—but if you're heading to a bloco (one of the many street parties during Carnival), you need to pack smart. Whether you're heading to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, or Recife & Olinda, You'll be out for hours, moving through packed crowds, and you want to keep your essentials safe while still having everything you need.
The best way to do this? A bum bag (fanny pack) and a discreet money belt. Your bum bag holds the fun stuff—things you’ll need easy access to—while your money belt keeps valuables safe and out of reach.
Here’s exactly what to bring to a Carnival bloco and how to pack your bum bag and money belt, so you can focus on enjoying the party!
Going to Carnaval do Rio in 2026? > Book a Sambadrome tickets for Carnaval 2026 > Book accommodation for Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, ASAP! > Book a bus ticket to Rio de Janeiro
What to bring in your bum bag & money belt for a Carnival Bloco
What to pack in your bum bag for a Carnival Bloco
Your bum bag is for things you’ll reach for throughout the bloco. Less is more - stick to essentials that you can grab quickly, but nothing valuable.
The must-haves:
✨ Glitter – Carnival is all about sparkle! Bring biodegradable glitter to reapply throughout the day.
🕶️ Fun sunglasses – Protect your eyes while looking fabulous. Cheap, colorful sunglasses are ideal.
🌞 Sunscreen – For daytime blocos, SPF is a must. A small, travel-sized bottle is perfect.
💋 Lip gloss or balm – Just for fun!
🧻 Toilet paper or tissues – Public toilets often run out, so bring your own. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
🧴 Hand sanitizer – Public bathrooms are a quintessential Carnival experience, but not one you'll want to remember
🍬 Small snacks – A granola bar will help keep your energy up
💡 Tip: Keep your bum bag zipped up and wear it across your chest to make it harder for pickpockets to access.
What to pack in your money belt
Your money belt is for valuables you don’t need to access frequently but must keep secure. It should be discreet and always worn under your clothes.
What to pack:
💵 Small bills – Street vendors and drink stalls often don’t have change. Bring small denominations so you can pay easily.
💳 A credit card (one you don’t mind replacing) – If you need to buy more drinks or food, having a backup payment option is smart. I recommend using Wise, since it offers cards without contactless payments (this is safer because a PIN is required for purchases) and is relatively easy to replace if lost, stolen, or cloned.
📱 An old phone (not your brand-new iPhone!) – Carnival is a prime spot for pickpockets. If possible, use an old phone for maps & messages.
💡 Tip: Never pull out all your cash at once. Keep most of it in your money belt and only a small amount in your bum bag for quick purchases.
💡 Tip: Bring your cash in small bills as vendors often do not have correct change
💡 Tip: Never hand over your card to make a payment. Always check the price on the EFTPOS machine before you tap or insert your card.
Final Tips for Staying Safe at a Bloco
🎭 Stay with your group – It’s easy to get separated, so set a meeting point in case you lose each other.
💦 Stay hydrated – The heat, dancing, and drinks can dehydrate you quickly. Drink water between caipirinhas!
🚕 Plan your way home – Know how you'll get back safely, whether it’s a trusted ride-share app, public transport, or walking directions in case you lose your group and/or your phone.
With your bum bag and money belt packed properly, you’re ready to hit the blocos worry-free! Have fun, dance like crazy, and enjoy the magic of Carnival!
Need some inspiration for your Carnival outfit?
Looking for more info about Carnival Blocos in 2025?
See my other guides to Brazil's Carnival Blocos for 2025:
Comentários