Getting Started

Click bellow and check out some of the terms used around Salvador carnival.

  • TRIO ELETRICO (The Sound-equipped Truck)
    It is a huge truck equipped with big hifi loudspeakers on all four sides and on which a band plays all kinds of music in carnival style for 5 hours in a row moving slowly throughout the carnival route (circuit).


  • CARRO DE APOIO (The Supporting Cart)
    It is an extra truck attached to the Trio Elétrico in which the members of the Bloco can use the toilet and have beverages in a bar-like stand, in addition to a lounge inside to get some rest.


  • CORDAS (Ropes)
    The Bloco is surrounded by a long thick strong rope which is held by the rope holders (cordeiros) who provide the members with security in the Bloco and prevent them from being mixed up with the people who dance outside of it.


  • CORDEIRO ( The Rope Holders)
    The holders of the rope conveniently selected to keep the rope pulled up, providing the members of the Bloco with security and keeping the moving flowing along the route (circuit).


  • ABADÁ ( The Bloco Costume)
    It is a comfortable colored set of well-fit t-shirt and short costume that is worn as a “uniform” by the members of the Bloco. The "abada" was designed in the 90´s by the artist Pedrinho da Rocha to replace the uncomfortable old set of costume worn before.


  • PIPOCA (The Free Dancers)
    It is the group of people that dance outside the rope following the huge truck .


  • CIRCUITO DODO (Dodô’s Route)
    It is the route or circuit the truck takes from one point to another. This one in special was the first alternative route. It is called Circuito Dodo. It starts from Barra to Ondina. It was once taken by Daniela Mercury 11 years ago but nowadays some Trio Elétricos take it too.


  • CIRCUITO OSMAR (Osmar’s Route)
    This is the most traditional route of the carnival in Salvador. It is located downtown. The "best" days to take this route popularly called Avenue (avenida) are Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.


  • CIRCUITO BATATINHA (Batatinha’s Route)
    This route is located in PELOURINHO and has very well known as a family program. But there is also a lot of joy there with a lot of music and dance.


  • BLOCOS DE TRIO (The Trio’s Group)
    That is the name given to the group of people that dance inside the rope. They have been dancing on the streets and enjoying Carnival in Salvador for many years. They “go on the street” on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at "circuito Osmar".


  • BLOCOS ALTERNATIVOS (The Alternative Group)
    They appeared to spread out the excess of members from other Blocos de Trio.
    The alternative Blocos go out on the street from Thursday to Saturday and they usually take the Dodô route ("circuito Dodô")


  • BLOCOS AFROS (The African-Brazilian Group)
    They are African-Brazilian groups that stand out the African-Brazilian culture. They make Salvador Carnival shine with their beauty and charm. They do not wear "abadas"; they keep the tradition to go on the street wearing their own costumes and, in addition to that, take the Avenue ("avenida") with a lot of music, drumming, dancing and poetry.


  • CAMAROTES ( The Viewing-Stands)
    In the beginning they were just simple viewers but nowadays they have become one of the greatest attractions in Salvador Carnival too. The Viewing Stands are strategically positioned on the carnival routes and provide its users with a privileged view. In addition to all that, the Viewing stands also have a big infra-structure with nightclubs, lounge and spa.


  • TRIO INDEPENDENTE (The Independent Trio Truck)
    They are also huge well sound-equipped trucks that take the same routes without the ropes around them but yet providing the "pipoca" dancers with a lot of fun. They are called Independent Trios Truck.


  • SÓCIO ( The Member)
    He is the one who pays to become a member in the group (bloco) or Viewing Stand. They have the right to enjoy and dance in the Group inside the rope around the truck and use all the comfort and security in the Bloco/Viewing Stand. Don´t waste your time. Be a member now!


  • COMISSÁRIO (Representative)
    They are licensed people to sell the costumes "abadas". You can be one of them in your city/country and be a part of all this. Enroll now.


  • PRÉ-HABILITAÇÃO ( The Chek-in)
    After the voucher payment, the member has to take a "check-in" slip to exchange for the "abada". With this trade, the member check his/her registration, maximizing his/her security. The "pré-habilitação" is a way to make a "check-in" beforehand. It generally happens a month before the exchange t-shirts/costume.


  • ENTREGA DE ABADÁS ( Giving out the Costumes)
    A big infra-structured stand is made for the members to receive their "Set", with the Bloco and Viewing stand t-shirt. You can feel the Carnival energy and its atmosphere in this very moment of trading the voucher for the Set.


  • QUARTA FEIRA DE CINZAS (“The Holy Wednesday”)
    After all the music, dancing and joy, it is time to say good-bye for the Salvador carnival. The "quarta feira de cinzas" is a day to relax and starts preparing to the next carnival . But on this day we still have the ‘Pull’ "arrastão".


  • ARRASTÃO (The Pull)
    Ivete Sangalo and Timbalada usually rule this event that happens on Wednesday, the last day of carnival. When everybody thinks that the carnival is over, they put their truck in the other way of the "circuito Osmar" and throw the party, for those who still have the energy. And the best thing is: No ropes and everyone can play.


  • ENCONTRO DE TRIOS
    It happens in the "Castro Alves square", on the Tuesday of carnival. The trucks get together at this point and make for the "pipoca" falks, one of the most beautiful scene of Salvador carnival. Sometimes 5 trucks are grouped together in the same place and they make the square go wild partying.


    .......................................................................................................................................

    << voltar