Babadan honors Moacir Santos with BH parades

Afro block Babadan takes Belo Horizonte streets in 2026 with two parades celebrating Mestre Moacir Santos’ 100th birthday, afrojazz icon.

The Babadan block energizes Belo Horizonte’s Afro-Mineiro carnival. This symbolic year, it pays homage to Mestre Moacir Santos, a key figure in Brazilian music and Black creativity.

Two parades for the centennial

First procession hits February 1, 2026, pre-carnival. Meet at 2pm on Av. Américo Vespúcio, 1.947, Nova Esperança. Parade starts at 3pm, heads down the avenue to nr. 1.259, ends at 7pm.

Second rolls on February 18 in Lagoinha neighborhood. Same 2pm meet, 3pm start, part of the Te Encontro em BH project.

Black resistance heartland

With 150 members — brass and percussion players, dancers, crew — Babadan claims Northwest BH. Black communities shaped the city there. The block champions culture and resilience.

Artistic director Juventino Dias stresses respect for people, businesses, and sustainability. Antiracism drives their art and action.

Afro-Mineiro sound on streets

Launched in 2018, Babadan fuses Congado, Minas bands, and Candomblé. antiracist artists created it to reconnect with Black roots across BH alleys and carnivals.

Service – Babadan Block

1st Procession – Pre-Carnival

Date: February 1, 2026 (Sunday)

Time: Meet at 2pm, start at 3pm

Location: Av. Américo Vespúcio, no. 1.947, Nova Esperança – BH

Parade: follows Av. Américo Vespúcio toward downtown Belo Horizonte

End: at no. 1.259, 7pm

2nd Procession – Carnival

Date: February 18, 2026 (Wednesday)

Time: Meet at 2pm, start at 3pm

Location: to be confirmed

Parade: to be confirmed

End: to be confirmed

Photo: Press release