Batuque Coletivo honors Lô Borges at BH Carnival

Batuque Coletivo honors Lô Borges at BH Carnival 2026 with the theme Sou do Mundo, Sou Minas Gerais and a free rehearsal this Saturday.

The vibrant energy of Batuque Coletivo is about to take over the Belo Horizonte Carnival, driven by a powerful drum section, an electric trio and a lively repertoire. For Carnival 2026, the bloco presents the theme “Sou do Mundo, Sou Minas Gerais”, a celebration of Minas Gerais identity and cultural strength, with a special tribute to Lô Borges, a Brazilian music icon and one of the pillars of the Clube da Esquina movement.

The Batuque Coletivo parade will take place on 15 February, Carnival Sunday, with gathering from 2 p.m. and the cortejo on Avenida Brasil from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The bloco’s goal is to bring to the streets a repertoire that connects the tradition of Minas Gerais music with the popular party, bringing generations together through the work of Lô Borges.

Sou do Mundo, Sou Minas Gerais

According to the organizers, the theme “Sou do Mundo, Sou Minas Gerais” reinforces the bond between street Carnival and the cultural history of the state. The tribute to Lô Borges is central to the repertoire, with songs that marked different generations and helped project Minas Gerais music throughout Brazil.

For Bruno Simão, one of the bloco’s leaders and founders, the choice sums up the spirit of BH Carnival. “The theme ‘Sou do Mundo, Sou Minas Gerais’ expresses exactly what we believe: Minas has a unique identity, but it speaks to everything. Honoring Lô Borges means recognizing an artist who put our music on the map, with sensitivity, innovation and truth. Taking his songs to the avenue is a privilege,” he says.

Junior Simão, Bruno’s brother and also a founder and leader of Batuque Coletivo, highlights that including Lô Borges in the repertoire is a way to connect generations on the street. “Carnival is about encounters — of people, stories and songs. Lô represents a Minas that is deep and, at the same time, modern. Playing his music is a way to move those who grew up listening to him and to introduce this legacy to those who are discovering the bloco now,” he adds.

Lô Borges and the Clube da Esquina legacy

Born in Belo Horizonte, Salomão Borges Filho (Lô Borges) marked generations by blending MPB, rock and sophisticated harmonies, helping redefine the sound created in Minas Gerais and projecting it across Brazil. Co-author of the landmark album “Clube da Esquina” (1972) and creator of the classic solo record known as “Disco do Tênis” (1972), he became a symbol of a creative, universal and timeless Minas.

Lô Borges passed away on 2 November 2025, at 73, in Belo Horizonte. The tribute by Batuque Coletivo at BH Carnival 2026 aims to celebrate this legacy, taking to Avenida Brasil songs that resonate with the audience’s memories and with the cultural strength of Minas Gerais.

Free Batuque Coletivo rehearsal

Preparations for BH Carnival 2026 are already underway. This Saturday, 10 January, from 4 p.m., Batuque Coletivo holds a free Carnival rehearsal at Recanto Buri, on Av. Mário Werneck, 515, in the Buritis neighborhood, in Belo Horizonte.

The band that will lead the parade is joined by the Bateria Mar Vermelho, promising a powerful and thrilling sound. The rehearsal sets the tone for the official parade on Avenida Brasil, giving the public a preview of the repertoire and the festive atmosphere of the bloco.

About Batuque Coletivo

Batuque Coletivo was created in 2016, when brothers Bruno Simão and Junior Simão, longtime Carnival lovers, decided to bring together friends who already took part in Belo Horizonte’s street Carnival and form a bloco. Before occupying Avenida Brasil, the Batuque Coletivo band was already a presence at wedding parties around the city, taking Carnival joy and energy to private events.

Today, the founders lead a band of 12 musicians. The drum section has around 200 members, who sustain the wide-ranging repertoire the bloco presents on the avenue. With a free and eclectic style, Batuque Coletivo plays a bit of everything and is known for a diverse and energetic parade.

On BH Carnival days, the bloco includes special Carnival versions of hits from axé, pagodão baiano, sertanejo, funk, pop and even rock. In 2026, this broad repertoire gains the powerful presence of Lô Borges songs, reinforcing the dialogue between Minas Gerais culture and the street party.

Service

Batuque Coletivo Carnival Rehearsal (free entry)

When: 10/01 (Saturday), 4 p.m.

Where: Recanto Buri — Av. Mário Werneck, 515, Buritis, Belo Horizonte

Batuque Coletivo Parade – Carnival 2026

When: 15/02 (Carnival Sunday), gathering from 2 p.m. and parade from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Avenida Brasil, Belo Horizonte

Theme: Sou do Mundo, Sou Minas Gerais – Tribute to Lô Borges