About this picture: Carnival activities
Block parades have become an expressive feature of Rio's Carnival.
Today, they number more than 100 and the groups increase each year. Blocos can be formed by small or large groups of revelers with a distinct title with a often funny pun. They may also note their neighborhood or social status.
Before the show, they gather in a square, then parade in sections of the city, often near the beach.
Some blocos never leave one street and have a particular place, such as a bar, to attract viewers.
Bloc parades start in January, and may last until the Sunday after Carnival.
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