Blocks exalt Afro-Brazilian roots in the Carnaval of Rua do Rio

The Carnaval of Rua do Rio is also a space for preserving memory, culture and Afro-Brazilian identity. In different regions of the city, blocks lead to the streets rhythms, stories, spirituality and cultural manifestations that help tell the trajectory of the black people in the formation of the Carnaval carioca and the city itself.

In 2026, parades throughout the Port Zone, Center and North Zone reinforce this presence, celebrating ancestry, cultural resistance and diversity through music, dance and collective encounter.

Ancestrality and territory: Small Africa as a scenario

A significant part of these blocks parade through the region known as Small Africa, in the Port Zone of Rio — a historical area that sheltered free black communities after abolition and became the cradle of samba, the terreiros and important Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestations.

It is in this symbolic territory that the Carnaval connects directly with memory, transforming the streets into spaces of celebration, reflection and belonging.

Block List:

Block Tecnomacumba (with displacement)

31/01

Concentration: 16 h
Start: 17 h
End: 21 h

Created from the musical project designed by Rita Benneditto, Tecnomacumba takes to the Carnaval a powerful mixture of earthenware sambas, afoxés, candomblé points and umbanda with elements of electronic music.

The block parades through Little Africa with a strong cultural and social character, celebrating African mythology, the strength of the orixás and the appreciation of black identity. Besides the remarkable repertoire, Tecnomacumba also stands out for actions related to sustainability and national recognition as a cultural reference.

Batuke de Ciata (with displacement)

07/02

Concentration: 15 h
Start: 16 h
End: 21 h

Created by the Remanescent Cultural Organization of Tia Ciata (ORTC), the Batuke de Ciata honors Aunt Ciata, a key figure for the birth of samba in Rio de Janeiro.

With mostly female drums, the block preserves the samba roots and reaffirms the role of black women in the cultural history of the city, leading to the streets of Little Africa a repertoire that connects past and present.

Agytoê

15/02

Concentration: 13 h
Start: 14 h
End: 19 h

Founded in 2013, the Agytoê research and recreates the tradition of Afro-Baiano blocs, with strong influence of samba-reggae, axé and cultural manifestations that marked the carnivals of Bahia from the 1970s.

The block mixes references from Ancient Egypt, Afro-Brazilian culture and the energy of the Rio Carnaval, creating a parade marked by aesthetic, musical and collective strength.

Maracatu River

17/02

Concentration: 12 h
Start: 13 h
Conclusion: 18 h

Founded in 1997, the Maracatu River is born from the union of pernambucan and cariocas musicians in order to value the Maracatu de Bace Virado and other traditional Brazilian rhythms, such as coconut, ciranda and samba.
The group takes to the Carnaval a cultural manifestation that connects different regions of the country through music and dance.

Afoxé Sons of Gandhi

15/02

Concentration: 15 h
Start: 17 h
End: 20 h

Inspired by the ideals of peace and not violence, Afoxé Filhos de Gandhi is one of the most traditional blocs in Brazil. With songs in Yoruba, white and blue robes, turbans and lavender perfume, the block takes to the streets the spirituality and tradition of candomblé, reaffirming the strength of Afro-Brazilian culture in the Carnaval.

Afro Block Batikum Ilú Odara

15/02 Edgard Romero, 114 - Madureira, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 21350-302, Brazil

Concentration: 15 h
Start: 17 h
End: 20 h

Batikum Ilú Odara is a cultural and social movement that acts in valuing black identity through music, dance and anti-racist education. With a strong presence in Madureira, the block transforms the Carnaval into a space of belonging, cultural formation and celebration of ancestry.

Samba Club

17/02

Concentration: 9am
Start: 11 h
End: 13 h

Founded by John Nogueira, the Samba Club was born as a cultural resistance movement and became an important space for appreciation of samba and Brazilian music. Today, the bloc is commanded by your son, Diogo Nogueira, keeping alive his tradition, gathering different generations with a parade marked by the history and identity of samba.

Carnaval as memory, culture and encounter

More than party, the Carnaval of Rua do Rio de Janeiro is also a space of cultural affirmation, where Afro-Brazilian roots gain visibility and recognition. The blocks transform the streets into stages of celebration, learning and exchange, strengthening community ties and keeping alive the memory that builds the identity of the city.

The complete programming of the blocks can be consulted in the application Rio blocks 2026 and on the site carnivalderua. river, with information about dates, times, routes and news of the Carnaval Street.