Environmental revelers - Carnival & historic travel in Paraty

The "Bloco da Lama" is one of the most magnificent events in Brazil. It's a unique Party and Cultural Experience during Carnival Time.

Clad in swimwear and rags, slathered in mud, adorned with branches and bones and crying "ooga ooga ha ha", revelers parade through the streets of Paraty's colonial district in Rio de Janeiro State every Carnival Saturday afternoon.

Paraty is a preserved Portuguese colonial and Brazilian Imperial town located on...
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The "Bloco da Lama" is one of the most magnificent events in Brazil. It's a unique Party and Cultural Experience during Carnival Time.

Clad in swimwear and rags, slathered in mud, adorned with branches and bones and crying "ooga ooga ha ha", revelers parade through the streets of Paraty's colonial district in Rio de Janeiro State every Carnival Saturday afternoon.

Paraty is a preserved Portuguese colonial and Brazilian Imperial town located on Green Coast, a lush, green corridor that runs along the coastline of the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Bloco da Lama in Paraty started in Carnival of 1986 when two friends were catching crabs in the mud mangroves of Jabaquara Beach, about one mile from the Historic Center of Paraty, and completely covered themselves with mud to stave off the area's voracious mosquitoes and dark giant horseflies. From seeing each other in such an unrecognizable state came the idea of gathering some friends for a spontaneous Carnival parade. Over the years, a growing Carnival bloco had formed.

Despite the group's pre-historic demeanor and the potential risk of messy behavior often afforded by the anonimity of such a costume, parades have remained respectful of Paraty's colonial heritage and onlookers.

Over the years, the bloco's organizers have become more and more involved in community activities such as lectures at public and private schools about the importance of preserving Paraty's traditions and ecosystems. During the lecture, students are encouraged to create their own Carnival blocos and thus contribute to the city's cultural panorama and tourism development.

Preparations start with rolling and frolicking in the mud of Jabaquara Beach, which is said to be rich in iodine and sulphur. The ideal attire is swimwear; renewable natural materials are the choice for corporal and hand-held ornaments. Revelers then parade into Paraty's historic district, engaging in theatrical moments and choreographies as they go.
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