Updated on Jan.26, 2012
Barbas ("Beards") is a Carnival bloco founded in 1984 at a Botafogo bar which belonged to bearded journalist Nelson Rodrigues Filho. The bloco's top attraction is the water truck which cools off the revelers on the streets of Botafogo. Music is a mix of Carnival hits and songs (usually two) created by the bloco for each Carnival.The bloco also has a slow-moving VW bus, dubbed the nursery car, for young kids and their parents.
According to Jornal do Brasil, about 5,000 people paraded with Barbas when the bloco celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2009.
The bloco's colors are red and white. Dressing up in their colors or in full costume is optional, and participation is always free.
Barbas is a member of Sebastiana (www.sebastiana.org.br), the Independent Association of Street Carnival Blocos from the South Side, Santa Teresa and Centro.
Barbas - 2012 Carnival Parade:
Carnival Saturday, Feb.18, 2012 at 4 p.m.
Starting Point: Corner of Rua Arnaldo Quintela and Rua Assis Bueno, Botafogo. The bloco parades along Rua da Passagem to the corner of Rua Álvaro Ramos.
