Blocodaqui, the batucada group that brings the carnival from Rio to Toulouse
The Carnival of Rio should settle this summer in Toulouse! On the program, dance, singing and percussion, staged by the Toulouse batucada group Blocodaqui, in association with Portela, one of the 12 samba schools parading in the Sambadrome of Rio de Janeiro.
“Un encontro do samba”, (samba meeting), is being prepared in the Pink City. In July 2023, the Toulouse samba batucada group, Blocodaqui, is organizing an event that will mix music, dance and Brazilian culture. “It will make Samba Carrioca known to the Toulouse public, but also to reveal the festive spirit of the city. We want to share the atmosphere and the warmth of the Rio carnival”, explains Razafimpanilo Herisoa, artistic director of the group. . On the program, the organizers would like to make parades in the streets of the city center, rapid courses open to the general public and demonstrations of Batucada.
A unique link with Brazil
It is on the occasion of the centenary of the Portela samba school, located in Rio, that Razafimpanilo Herisoa wishes to organize the event. The school is one of 12 majors that compete annually in the Sambadrome. On this occasion, “every year, two of our members parade at the Rio carnival, with Portela. This summer, we would like to bring some of the Brazilian students to Toulouse, as well as Mestre Nilo Sergio, who leads their percussion battery “, adds the director. This initiative makes Toulouse residents aware of a new culture and brings international visibility to the two schools. The latter have been associated for ten years now, during which many exchanges have been made. If it is conclusive, “the event will be renewed”, concluded Razafimpanilo Herisoa. Today, the school is still looking for financial partners to help organize the event.