Experience the Vibrant Multicultural Carnival Revolutionizing Portugal

The Carnival Tradition Expands Beyond Brazil

The international image of Brazilian Carnival is deeply connected to samba schools showcasing extravagant parades. However, Brazilian Carnival is much more than that; it now includes a vibrant street party tradition that is taking root in Portugal.

In Lisbon, 14 blocks form an association, parading through the streets, drawing thousands of revelers, locals, and tourists enchanted by the rhythm of drums, the joy of the participants, and the colorful, sparkling costumes. The Colombina Clandestina block, founded nine years ago, attracted over 25,000 participants in 2024, similar to the Batucada Radical in Porto.

A Diverse Musical Palette

While samba is often synonymous with Carnival, the blocks offer a diverse range of musical styles including frevo, forró, maracatu, fanfare, and electronic beats. Each block caters to different musical tastes, combining samba with songs from renowned artists like Milton Nascimento and sertanejo tunes. The common thread among these groups is the shared desire to dance and celebrate in the streets.

Inclusive Participation

The joy of Carnival is not limited to Brazilians; musicians from various nationalities join in the fun. For instance, the Oxalá block is led by Piteiras (André Pinto), a Portuguese, while Diana Cuesta, a Spaniard, co-directs the Lisbloco. For these blocks in Portugal, musical quality is paramount, with members rehearsing several times a week.

Learning to Play

Newcomers who want to join don’t need prior samba experience. Most groups welcome anyone willing to learn an instrument, which may include unique African percussion instruments like agogô, cuíca, surdo, and more familiar ones like cavaquinho and pandero. Blocks like Cuiqueiros de Lisboa offer guidance from experienced musicians, ensuring that everyone can participate.

The Heart of the Carnival: Barracona

In Lisbon, a pink, yellow, and purple structure known as Barracona has become synonymous with Carnival, serving as the rehearsal space for the Colombina Clandestina. Founded by Andrea Freire, this block emphasizes communication, feminism, diversity, and the occupation of public spaces.

A Cultural Melting Pot

The blocks have become melting pots of nationalities, with participants from Brazil, Portugal, China, Spain, Italy, the US, Argentina, and Turkey, all united by the spirit of freedom and joy that Carnival represents. The Cuiqueiros even aim to become Lisbon's first samba school, with plans for a samba-enredo that highlights the cultural ties between Fado and samba.

The Role of Community

The sense of community is fundamental to these blocks. Participants like Diogo Presuntinho from the Secretinho block emphasize how the Carnival fosters connections among people, helping to break the solitude many experience in Lisbon. The blocks not only provide a musical outlet but also create a supportive environment for friendships and collaboration.

A Celebration of Identity

The Sardinhas Nômades and Batucada Radical in Porto also reflect this sense of community and cultural identity. Participants from diverse backgrounds find joy and purpose through music and dance, reinforcing the idea that Carnival is a celebration of life, diversity, and inclusion.

An Artistic Space

The Fábrica de Braço de Prata plays a crucial role in the history of Lisbon's Carnival, providing rehearsal spaces for many blocks and fostering creativity in the arts. It serves as a hub for artistic expression, bringing together various forms of art beyond just music.

With the Carnival recognized as a cultural manifestation by the City Council, Lisbon is undoubtedly becoming an integral part of the global Carnival scene, rich with joy and diversity.