From Tannery to Carnival: Traditional Bloc 'Nem Sangue Nem Areia' Completes 80 Years in Campinas
The traditional bloc 'Nem Sangue Nem Areia' in Campinas, Brazil, celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, continuing its legacy of joy and satire rooted in the community's history.
The 'Nem Sangue Nem Areia' bloc, a well-known cultural symbol of Vila Industrial in Campinas, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this Sunday, February 8. Founded in 1946 by four friends, it emerged as a means to satirize and bring joy to the lives of residents in the first working-class neighborhood of the city, which was historically characterized by tanneries, slaughterhouses, and livestock passing through its streets. The bloc has managed to maintain its identity and sense of community through the decades, even after a hiatus, when it resumed its pre-Carnival parades in 2009.
As the bloc gears up for its anniversary parade, its director, Roberto Cardinalli, emphasizes that it's not just about celebration; it embodies a collective spirit of audacity, irreverence, and respect for cultural heritage. The bloc continues to be a vibrant expression of local pride and creativity, representing a longstanding tradition in the community. The event not only commemorates the bloc's rich history but also revitalizes local culture and fosters communal bonding among residents.
This milestone is significant not only for the bloc itself but also for the Vila Industrial neighborhood, validating its role in Campinas' cultural landscape. As the parade approaches, locals are expected to come together, celebrating not only the history of 'Nem Sangue Nem Areia' but also the cultural diversity and the traditions that define their neighborhood, reinforcing connections between the past and the present.