Inspired by Dumas, Banda do Candinho honors Bixiga’s historical figures as musketeers on Feb 11 with the motto “All for Bixiga”.
One of São Paulo’s most beloved carnival groups, Banda do Candinho, celebrates in 2026 with the theme “The Heroes of Bixiga”. The ensemble transforms four historical figures into musketeers inspired by Alexandre Dumas’s classic, reinforcing the motto “All for Bixiga.”
The Bixiga musketeers
Led by journalist and carnival leader Candinho Neto, current Ambassador of São Paulo’s Street Carnival, the parade honors cultural and community icons: Armandinho do Bixiga (Porthos), Walter Taverna (Athos), Egydio Coelho da Silva (Aramis), and Dr. Nelson Abreu Pinto (D’Artagnan).
Armandinho founded Bloco Esfarrapado and the Bixiga Memory Museum, while Walter Taverna became known for his solidarity, creating the neighborhood’s iconic Cake of Bixiga celebration. Egydio Coelho preserved local history through journalism, and Dr. Nelson boosted gastronomy and tourism with projects like Villa Távola and União do Bixiga.
Exhibit “The Heroes of Bixiga”
The exhibit “The Heroes of Bixiga” at the MUMBI – Bixiga Memory Museum runs until March. It features 15 panels mixing photos and texts that link literature, history, and carnival traditions.
“These four names are unbeatable defenders of Bixiga’s traditions,” says Candinho Neto.
Parade on Rua 13 de Maio
The parade takes place on Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026, at 7 PM, on Rua 13 de Maio, corner with Rua Santo Antônio, in Bixiga. Admission is free, keeping the spirit of São Paulo’s street carnival alive.
Service
Theme: The Heroes of Bixiga – inspired by “The Three Musketeers”, by Alexandre Dumas
Exhibit: “The Heroes of Bixiga” – at MUMBI (Rua dos Ingleses, 118 – Bixiga), open until March
Parade: February 11, 2026 (Wednesday), at 7 PM – Rua 13 de Maio, 37, corner with Rua Santo Antônio – Bixiga, São Paulo
Free event, open to all audiences
Photo: Courtesy
