By William Jones, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This year’s Carnival celebrations have been marked by the publication and release of a new book entitled, “Blocos de Rua do Carnaval do Rio de Janeiro/The Street Blocos of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro,” which contains thirty stories to portray varying accounts of revelry in what is known as one of the biggest parties on earth.
The book, which is the second edition of the series, is written by Aydano André Motta, a Niterói native. The collection of stories recalls celebrations from the city’s “blocos,” Portuguese for street parties that take over neighborhoods across Brazil during the year-long awaited Carnival celebrations. After starting research in November 2013 the book has been compiled out of accounts from a number of O Globo’s founding members and journalists. According to O Globo, “the result is 220 breathless pages.”
The book contains Carnival accounts, such as one that recounts the excitement felt by legendary Brazilian musician Roberto Carlos when he appeared in his apartment window to be honored in 2009, as well as stories recalling the smells, tastes and memories that were significant to other members of the media.
“This book shows more diversity in Rio’s Carnival,” said the man behind the book, Aydano André Motta. “I am against the belief that the street bloco can only play samba. The street is democratic and should be given the space and the right to be creative.” He said that he has “no doubt that the coolest parts in the book are masterful photographs.”
The book was launched at Argumento do Leblon bookstore on February 6, 2014. The hardback version of the book is available in bilingual format, retails for about R$90 and can be found at major bookstores.
Read more (in Portuguese).
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