Devendra Kumar
The Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro kicked off with a unique and joyful event, as dozens of dogs dressed in elaborate costumes paraded alongside their owners in the city’s beloved Blocao canine street party. Held in the beachside Barra de Tijuca area, the event brought together over 200 people, with dogs of all sizes and breeds strutting and wagging their tails on a small stage in the middle of a leafy square. The canine contestants, attired in costumes ranging from mermaids to superheroes, took part in a contest to choose the day’s top costumes, with winners announced over a microphone as confetti rained down.
Among the canine contestants was Alana, a chihuahua dressed as a glittery mermaid, and Trinde, a cocker spaniel dressed as a cape-wearing Hermione. Pacoca, a two-year-old dachshund with 100,000 followers on Instagram, paraded as a hot dog, stuffed in a bun and topped with ketchup and mustard, inspired by his breed. His owner, Helena Ribeiro, wore a red shirt emblazoned with a Heinz ketchup label, proudly showcasing Pacoca’s outfit.
The dogs and their owners braved the scorching temperatures to take part in the bloco, with organizers distributing water and goodie bags with treats as canine participants panted in the shade to preserve their well-being. Following the costume competition, the bloco began to weave around the square as dog lovers and their pets swayed and shimmied to the rhythm of Brazilian pop classics.
Twin sisters Daniely and Flavia Mendes, both 43, were among the revellers, singing along with the crowd as they brought their identical Shih-tzus, one dressed as Superman and the other clad in a colourful, hand-made clown costume. For Daniely, the Blocao is a way for dog parents to have fun and bring their community together. As the event came to a close, it was clear that the Blocao had brought joy to Rio de Janeiro, and that for dog owners, their pets are an integral part of their lives and their community. With countless smiling faces and wagging tails, it was a truly unforgettable experience for all involved.