Rio Carnival Street Party Celebrates Dogs While Protesters Rally Against Pet Killers

RIO DE JANEIRO – In a vibrant display of creativity, dogs paraded through a Rio de Janeiro Carnival street gathering, donning costumes of alligators, fairies, and superheroes. This lively event on Saturday was more than just a spectacle; it served as a platform for pet owners to voice their opposition to animal cruelty. Known as the Blocao, this traditional celebration during Brazil’s grand festival saw dogs wagging their tails to the rhythm of samba, relishing tasty breakfasts, and mingling with fellow four-legged friends.

Approximately 300 participants and their furry companions converged in Barra da Tijuca, a neighborhood on Rio’s western side. As they sang and danced to classic Carnival tunes, the pets stayed cool in the shade, with temperatures soaring to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

“Our dogs are integral members of our families,” explained Marco Antonio Marinho, the 72-year-old mastermind behind the Blocao. “We bring them to these street parties because it’s a joyful and affectionate experience,” he added. “When we feel down at home, they share in our sadness. So when we’re happy, they deserve happiness too. We make sure to protect their paws and provide them with water to keep them comfortable and safe.”

A hydration station was set up to ensure the dogs remained energetic throughout the two-hour celebration at a local square. Many Rio residents, known as cariocas, honked their car horns in support of the dogs and to back the owners’ protest against pet violence. In previous years, dogs would march through the streets, but hot pavements often proved harmful to their sensitive paws.

The term Blocao cleverly combines “bloco,” meaning Carnival street party, with “cao,” the Portuguese word for dog. This beloved street party has been a fixture for over two decades, continuing to bring joy to both pets and their owners.

Marinho and other partygoers waved white ribbons and sang a song in a tribute to Orelha, a dog that was killed in southern Brazil in January in a case that caused national rage.

Santa Catarina state police charged a 15-year-old who allegedly spanked the dog to death but authorities have recommended the teenager be tried under the juvenile corrections system. The judge in the case has yet to rule.

The teenager’s lawyer denied any wrongdoing, .

Natalia Reis, 28, came to Blocao for the first time with her 11-year-old dog Theo, partly because of Orelha’s killing. She had tears in her eyes when organizers took the microphone to talk about the importance of protecting pets from cruelty.

“This was so unfortunate, we need perpetrators of his death to be punished,” Reis said. “We need to raise awareness. This could have happened to me, to any of us.”

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