Dogs parade at Rio Carnival as their owners protest against animal cruelty

Dozens of costumed canines took center stage at Rio de Janeiro’s beloved “Blocao” Carnival event Saturday, where pets and their owners gathered to celebrate while raising awareness about animal cruelty issues that have recently shocked Brazil.

Nearly 300 people and their four-legged companions assembled in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood for the unique street celebration, a tradition that has been part of Rio’s Carnival festivities for more than two decades. The event’s name cleverly combines “bloco” (Carnival street party) and “cao” (dog in Portuguese), reflecting its special focus on including pets in the nation’s biggest annual celebration.

Dogs dressed as alligators, fairies, and superheroes wagged their tails to the infectious rhythm of samba music while their owners sang and danced to traditional Carnival songs. Organizers took special care to ensure the animals’ comfort in the 30°C (86°F) heat, setting up hydration stations and keeping the celebration in a shaded square rather than parading through the streets as in previous years.

“Dogs are part of our families,” explained Marco Antonio Marinho, 72, the chief organizer of Blocao. “When we are sad at home, they are by our side and they are sad too. Now that we are happy, they have to be happy too. So we take care of their paws, we keep water for them to be comfortable and safe.”

The festive atmosphere carried an undertone of protest this year, with many participants joining in response to a shocking case of animal cruelty that has outraged Brazilians. Attendees waved white ribbons and sang a tribute to Orelha, a dog that was beaten to death in southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state in January.

The case has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for stronger animal protection laws. Santa Catarina state police have charged a 15-year-old in connection with the killing, recommending the teenager be tried under the juvenile corrections system. The judge has yet to rule on the case, while the teenager’s lawyer has denied any wrongdoing.

First-time Blocao attendee Natalia Reis, 28, brought her 11-year-old dog Theo partly because of Orelha’s killing. She became emotional when organizers addressed the importance of protecting animals from cruelty.

“This was so unfortunate, we need perpetrators of his death to be punished,” Reis said, fighting back tears. “We need to raise awareness. This could have happened to me, to any of us.”

Brazil’s animal rights movement has gained momentum in recent years, with activists pushing for harsher penalties for those who harm animals. The country’s Animal Protection Law, updated in 2020, increased prison sentences for animal cruelty from one to five years, but advocates argue enforcement remains inconsistent across Brazil’s diverse states and municipalities.

Throughout the two-hour celebration, passing motorists honked their horns in support of the gathering. The event has evolved over the years, with organizers adapting to prioritize animal welfare. The decision to keep the party stationary rather than parade through Rio’s scorching streets demonstrates this evolving awareness, protecting sensitive paw pads from potentially burning on hot pavement.

Rio’s Carnival, known globally for its extravagant parades and lively street parties, has increasingly incorporated causes and social messages into its celebrations. The Blocao represents how Brazil’s biggest cultural festival can simultaneously serve as entertainment and a platform for raising awareness about important issues.

As Brazil continues to grapple with cases of animal cruelty while celebrating its rich cultural traditions, events like the Blocao highlight how communities can come together to champion both joy and social responsibility – creating spaces where pets and people alike can safely participate in the country’s most famous celebration.