The article delves into the history of Zé Pereira, a carnival tradition that originated in Rio de Janeiro in the 1850s, credited to a group of friends led by a Portuguese shoemaker who created chaos through music and revelry. Initially tied to Portuguese pilgrimages, the celebration evolved in Brazil, taking on a more playful and communal spirit. It paved the way for the development of the modern carnaval blocks that are an intrinsic part of Brazilian culture today.

As the Zé Pereira tradition grew, it faced tension between popular and elite perceptions, especially during a time when the press and government in Brazil sought to elevate the carnival celebrations by mimicking French parades. The sound of drums and singing resonated through the streets, and the event became a vibrant expression of the local culture, particularly in the informal neighborhoods known as cortiços, where the city's poorer populations resided.

While initially attributed solely to the shoemaker's influence, contemporary discussions challenge this narrative, suggesting a more diverse development facilitated by various immigrant groups. The Zé Pereira celebration remains a key cultural touchstone, representing the melding of different traditions in Brazilian popular music and carnival festivities, signifying how grassroots celebrations can evolve into nationally recognized events.