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.
This celebration goes beyond party. We see carnival as collective care.
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.
We ask permission to join this carnival of spirits and offer to Mestre Moacir, our São Benedito.
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
