The Carnival fervor begins this weekend with the traditional São Paulo street blocks. These events are usually as lively or even more lively than the parades in Anhembi.
On Sunday, Banda do Fuxico opens the festivities. Proud and openly LGBT, the group promises to fill Largo do Arouche with more than 35 thousand people and dozens of artistic attractions.
This year's theme is "Kings and Queens: the Court Has Arrived to End Homophobia." Actress and singer Adriana Lessa was chosen to be crowned Queen of Banda do Fuxico, alongside businessman Carlos Alberto. Leo Áquilla will be the Trans Queen; drag queen Danny Cowlt will be crowned Androgynous Queen; dancer Ivi Mesquita will be the Drum Queen; Kaká di Polly will be Queen Moma; Paulinho 80 will be the Queen of the Go-go Boys; and Robytt Moon will be the Queen of the Biggest Hair Show in Brazil.
Presenter and journalist Leão Lobo will be the band's godfather, alongside Dimmy Kieer, who will be the godmother. Journalist and businessman Douglas Drumond will be the prince of the band, alongside Cláudia Cuba, princess, and Carla Helen, as the trans princess. Businessman Evandro Rissi will be emperor and Cláudia Edson empress; Guru Anderson will be the celebrity and manager Luciano will be the band's icon. The court will also be made up of Divina Aloma, as flag bearer, ex-BBB Serginho as Star of the Band; Fábio Lima, as Official DJ; and Sabrina Boing-Boing, the band's muse and DJ.
Silvetty Montilla will be the official presenter of Banda do Fuxico. Gretta Star, Michelly Summer, Cicety Carolina are also in charge of presenting the artistic attractions and shows. The electric trio that will tour the center of São Paulo will be led by singers Fernanda Nunes and Vanessa Ajalla.
The opening begins at 10am with the XI Banda do Fuxico Cultural Fair. The fair will be held in Largo do Arouche square, throughout the event. There will be stalls with typical foods, artisanal products and clothing stores. At noon, the key for the official opening of the São Paulo Carnival will be handed over to the SPTuris representative, the director of Tourism and Entertainment Luiz Sales.
At 13pm, trophies will be handed out to the Banda do Fuxico honorees. At 14pm, there will be a Dog Costume contest, with prizes for first place. Registration for this competition can be made at Bacana Pet Shop (r. Bento Freitas, 146). At 15pm, there will be a hair styling contest, with the prize of a 100% natural wig. The contest will be presented by Lully Fashion.
At 16pm, there will be a presentation by the Monalisa Paulista and Arco-Íris Samba schools. At 16:30 pm, the official court of the Banda do Fuxico will be crowned and the Official Court of the Paulistano Carnival will be presented. At 18pm, the electric trio leaves Largo do Arouche and travels through the center of São Paulo.
Lower Augusta Academics
Also on Sunday, the Academicos do Baixo Augusta block takes to the streets of the region for the second year in a row.
In addition to the presence of Marisa Orth, lifelong queen of the drums, the group is reinforced by a godmother, the singer Pitty. Simoninha remains in charge of the block, which this year will have writer Marcelo Rubens Paiva as its standard bearer.
For those who want, the block's t-shirts are being sold at the Mercado Mundo Mix store (r. Augusta, 2559 – tel: 3081-4431).
The gathering starts at 15pm on Rua Pedro Taques. The block leaves at 16pm. The dispersion will be on R. Augusta between Marquês de Paranaguá and Caio Prado.
Round Band
Finally, on Monday, Banda Redonda takes place, the oldest and most traditional in the city, created in 1972 by the playwright and actor Plínio Marcos. Guaranteed presence of gays and mounted men.
The Banda Redonda block gathers at 19pm on Rua Theodoro Baima and Rua da Consolação. The parade takes place at 21pm and has the following route: Rua Theodoro Baima, Rua da Consolação, Rua Xavier de Toledo, Praça Ramos de Azevedo, Teatro Municipal, Rua Conselheiro Crispiniano, Largo do Paissandu, Avenida São João, Avenida Ipiranga, Praça da República and back to Rua Theodoro Baima.
During the event, the "Banda Redonda Trophy 2011" will be awarded to personalities who have left their mark on the country's culture.
Service:
Fuxico Band
Sunday, 27/02
Meeting from 12pm with the electric trio leaving at 18pm.
Largo do Arouche – Center of São Paulo
Lower Augusta Academics
Sunday, 27/02
Meeting at 15pm on Rua Pedro Taques; parade from 16pm.
Round Band
Monday, 28/02
Gathering at 19pm on Rua Theodoro Baima and Rua da Consolação; parade at 21pm.
www.bandaredonda.com.br
