Saturday carnival heats up as Bloco Maria Baderna marks 13 years with a bold street parade, vibrant props and drums reclaiming public space in Contagem as cultural right.
Rebellious roots of the bloc
Launched in 2013 by Camila Polatscheck and Hugo Honorato, Bloco Maria Baderna sprang from an urban art occupation. It fills the empty official carnival days in Contagem.
The name nods to Italian ballerina Marietta Maria Baderna. In the 19th century, she blended classical ballet with Afro-Brazilian dances like lundu. Elites recoiled, birthing “baderna” as slang.
Everyone who learns Maria Baderna’s story falls for the bloc instantly.
Founder Camila Polatscheck sees that boldness as the group’s core.
Props and beats that connect
About 100 join the parade. Features a drumline of 50 from 2025, puppets, Randolpho Lamonier’s banners and a massive flag over percussion.
The setlist mixes rock, samba, reggae and marches. Echoes the dancer’s cultural fusion.
Politics on the streets
Politically charged, the bloc tackles hot issues in the parade. It resists amid logistics woes and no big sponsors in Contagem.
Year-round action includes percussion classes and the fourth Arraial da Baderna in 2026.
Rehearsals
Wednesdays – 7pm – Praça da Jabuticaba
Saturdays – 2pm – Praça da Jabuticaba
Event Details: Parade
Date: February 14
Time: gathering at 1pm | parade from 2pm
Start: Praça Tiradentes
Route: Praça Tiradentes to Praça da Jabuticaba
End: 8pm
Photo: Felipe Pedrosa/Disclosure
