When you think of Carnival in Brazil, cities like Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, or Olinda may come to mind first. But in recent years, a cultural revolution has placed Belo Horizonte on the map as one of the biggest street Carnivals in the country. More than just a party, BH’s Carnival is a celebration born from the streets, fueled by the spirit of the people and the joy of Brazilian culture.
What's a "Bloco/Bloquinho de Carnaval"?
The heart of Belo Horizonte’s Carnival lies in its blocos, or street parties. These are vibrant gatherings organized by groups of friends, communities, or cultural collectives. Each bloco has its own unique theme, music, and energy, ranging from samba and axé to rock and pop. They transform the city’s streets into dynamic stages for dance, music, and celebration.
The Explosive Growth of Belo Horizonte’s Carnival
Until the 2000s, Belo Horizonte was often dismissed as a city where Carnival simply didn’t exist. While many residents left for other cities, the streets of BH remained eerily quiet. But starting in 2009, small blocos began to emerge, rekindling the spirit of street festivities.
What started modestly with friends organizing small blocos quickly grew into a cultural explosion. In just over a decade, Belo Horizonte transformed from an overlooked city during Carnival to hosting over 5 million revelers in 2023. The streets of the capital of Minas Gerais now pulse with music, costumes, and joy, making it one of the largest popular festivals in Brazil.
Today, BH’s Carnival is democratic, free, and open to everyone. The city’s squares and avenues become giant stages where happiness takes center stage.
A Carnival Made by the People, for the People
What makes Belo Horizonte’s Carnival so special is its grassroots origins. With little initial investment or sponsorship, the festival was built by people determined to reclaim the streets and celebrate life. It’s the perfect portrait of Brazilian resilience, turning challenges into reasons to party.
Here, Carnival is inclusive and democratic. There are no overpriced tickets, VIP areas, or exclusive spaces. The streets belong to everyone, the blocos are free, and anyone can join the fun, however they like.
Why Choose BH’s Carnival?
If Belo Horizonte isn’t yet on your Carnival itinerary, here are some reasons you can’t miss this party:
An Authentic Experience: Unlike more commercialized Carnivals, BH’s festivities are made by and for the people, delivering a unique energy.
Blocs for Every Taste: Samba, axé, funk, MPB, rock – the festival’s musical diversity is one of its greatest highlights.
A Welcoming City: Belo Horizonte offers pleasant weather, incredible food, and warm hospitality. After Carnival, you can enjoy the city’s bars, museums, and nearby nature spots.
A Democratic Celebration: There are no tickets or barriers. Here, the streets are for everyone, and the party is free and open to all.
The Diversity of Blocos: The Soul of BH
The soul of Belo Horizonte’s Carnival lies in its more than 400 blocos, each with a unique identity. Mixing rhythms, colors, and stories, these blocos turn the city into a vibrant cultural and inclusive spectacle.
Bloco Então Brilha – The Golden Dawn of Carnival
“Então Brilha” is undoubtedly the symbol of BH’s Carnival revolution. Early Saturday morning, a sea of golden glitter and hypnotic rhythms sweeps through the city center, drawing thousands of revelers. More than just a bloco, “Então Brilha” is a call to joy and freedom.
Bloco Volta Belchior – The Poetry of a Brazilian Icon
With a nostalgic and cultural vibe, “Volta Belchior” pays tribute to the singer from Ceará who marked generations. Amid tears and smiles, revelers sing Belchior’s poetic lyrics, transforming the streets into an emotional chorus of resistance and love.
Bloco Chama o Síndico – Tim Maia and Jorge Ben Jor on the Streets
“Chama o Síndico” is a vibrant blend of Brazilian rhythms that come together in an irreverent homage to Tim Maia and Jorge Ben Jor. This bloc is proof that BH’s Carnival is both plural and irresistible.
Bloco Baianas Ozadas – Axé Takes Over Minas
Inspired by Bahia’s Carnival, “Baianas Ozadas” is one of BH’s pioneering blocos. With infectious energy and axé rhythms, it draws massive crowds and brings a taste of Bahia to the heart of the Minas mountains.
Small But Mighty Parades: For All Audiences and Tastes
Beyond the massive blocos that attract huge crowds, Belo Horizonte’s Carnival shines through its diversity of smaller blocos, catering to all ages, musical styles, and preferences. Whether you’re a fan of pop, rock, samba, axé, or pagode, there’s a bloco for you.
Thematic and Nostalgic Blocos: Want to relive the hits of the 90s? “Tchanzinho Zona Norte” is the perfect choice, bringing classic axé to the party. Or try “Garotas Solteiras,” a favorite among pop and Beyoncé fans, with a playlist perfect for dancing.
For Pagode Lovers: “Me Beija Que Eu Sou Pagodeiro” is the bloco where the greatest pagode hits get the crowd singing along. If dancing and singing nonstop is your goal, this bloco is unmissable.
Family-Friendly Fun: BH’s Carnival also welcomes kids and families. Blocos like “Mamãe Tagarela” and “Bloco da Bolinha Preta” offer traditional marchinhas in safe, joyful environments for little revelers.
Inclusive and Diverse Blocos: The inclusive spirit of BH’s Carnival is celebrated in blocos like “Samba Queer,” blending samba with LGBTQIA+ pride, and “Truck do Desejo,” a tribute to diversity and freedom of expression.
Instrumental and Creative Blocos: Even the more alternative blocos have a place in BH! “Beiço do Wando” blends instrumental music with irreverent tributes to MPB, while “Toca Raul” gathers rock fans to celebrate Raul Seixas’s legacy in Carnival style.
Come to the Most Surprising Carnival in Brazil
Belo Horizonte awaits you with open arms to experience one of Brazil’s most vibrant street Carnivals. A celebration reborn against all odds, driven by the strength of its blocos and the people’s desire to celebrate.
Grab your costume, gather your friends, and come experience the most democratic, diverse, and exciting Carnival in the country. BH’s Carnival is made of glitter, drums, stories, and, above all, love for Brazil.
Stay at Horizonte Coliving: Your Home for BH’s Carnival
To make the most of Belo Horizonte’s Carnival, Horizonte Coliving is the perfect place to stay. Here, you’ll find a vibrant community passionate about Carnival and ready to hit the blocos together—just as this party is meant to be enjoyed: as a group!
Located in a strategic spot, Horizonte Coliving offers a welcoming space to meet amazing people, discover the city’s best blocos, and immerse yourself in the unique energy of BH’s Carnival. Join us, and let’s hit the streets together!
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