With the funk's beatitude, Favorite Block gathers thousands of revelries in the Rio Center

The Carnaval of Rua do Rio de Janeiro had a series of parades that involved different rhythms and public throughout the city on Saturday (7). In the Black Circuit Gil, in the Center of Rio, the Favorite Block dominated the streets of Rua First of March, turning the place into a real funk ball open with the baptism that did not let anyone stand still. The trio drew ancient and current successes and gathered thousands of revelry that capriched in costumes, with much brightness, bows, sunglasses and glitter.

The parade brought the producer Hitmaker, responsible for some of the greatest hits of funk and pop, among them: “I Know You Hate Me”, “Ai Papa” and “Likesin”. “I've always composed my songs thinking about people's energy. So when I set up the setlist for the parade I closed my eyes and imagined people dancing, jumping, singing in the parade. Right now I'm all creepy just feeling that energy. The Carnaval of Rio is the largest in the world and being here is only happiness”, vibrated Hitmaker.

The Bloco da Favorita also featured special appearances by Pocah, Puterrier, Maneirinho, Rodrigo da CN and Ramon Sucesso, in addition to DJ Marisa D’Amato, who warmed the public since the early morning.

The singer Pocah said she considers funk a large pillar of the street Carnaval. “Funk is party, joy and diversity. I love Carnaval, and if on my Carnaval wheel it doesn't play funk, there's something wrong. Carnaval is a great party, and funk has everything to do with it. At home, here in the Favorite Block, where I have made so many editions — including the Favorite Block is a great ally of funk. Today there's me, Maneirinho and Puterrier; back there, this block opened the doors for me. I am very happy to be here and, this year, as a block muse”, celebrated.

Heaven on Earth delights with homage to Jorge Ben Jor

In Santa Teresa, the traditional Heaven on Earth, which parades 25 years ago, enchanted the public with a procession that had giant dolls, legels and striking colors that took the hillsides of the neighborhood early. This year’s edition paid tribute to the icon of Brazilian music Jorge Ben Jor, precursor of the sambalançaço and author of classics such as “Taj Mahal”, “Fio Maravilha” and “Tropical Country”, which in March will be 87 years old.

In front of the traditional replica of the tram made of recycled material, a giant Jorge Ben doll Jor starred in the procession under the scenery of the old house. Next to him, the rock queen's doll Rita Lee, who was also eternalized at Heaven's feast On Earth, only in 2025.

The repertoire also included tracks such as “The Alchemists Are Coming”, “Sunday 23”, “Spirogyra” and “Chove Rain”, sung by the public throughout the procession. The playful and festive atmosphere marked another chapter in the history of the block, which returns to the streets next Saturday of Carnaval, day 14, with planned concentration from 7 am in Largo dos Guimarães.

The Bloc Strategy also honored Jorge Ben Jor, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the album "Africa Brazil". For the first time, the Strategy paraded at the Posto 0 in Gloria, occupying the seafront edge, overlooking the Pão de Açúcar. Classics such as “Umbabarauma”, “My Children, My Treasure”, “Zumbi” and “Taj Mahal” won new arrangements from the Cabulous Battery.

Pearl of Guanabara

On the island of Paquetá, the Pearl of Guanabara has received revelries since early morning. During the concentration of the block, a spontaneous moment marked the way out to Paquetá. Renan, who celebrated his 34th birthday, opened a sparkling wine before the ferry left and turned his own birthday into part of the Carnaval experience.

Newcomer to Rio for a new job, he told that he met the block by indication of friends and identified himself with the proposal of the procession to the island. “A friend commented that there was this block that was going to Paquetá, which was too time. The view was beautiful, there was no car, it was quieter. Then we said: let's meet, enjoy. Why not?”He did.

For some, the block is new, but for Violeta Reis, founder of the Pearl of Guanabara, this affective relationship with Paquetá comes from childhood. She tells that the bloc was born from the desire to live the Carnaval in a close, familiar and integrated way to the territory — a story that began long before the folia. “I have been going on Paquetá Island since I was a kid, it’s a call from my father and Regina, his wife. We had a very rich childhood, very foot on the ground here”Remember.

The block also carries memory and homage. After the loss of Cristina Buarque, an admirer of the Pearl, this year's parade brought a banner in her memory. “ Last year we had the loss of Cristina Buarque, so this year we made a banner in honor of her. Always alive!”, says Violeta.

In all, 432 blocks parade in the Carnaval of Rua do Rio 2026. The full schedule runs until February 22nd and can be checked in the app Rio blocks 2026 and on the official website https://www.carnavalderua.rio/ Making sure all the revelers know where and when the revelry is coming.