The Cordão do Boitatá, a revered cultural bloco in Rio de Janeiro, recently marked its 30th anniversary with a grand parade in the city’s downtown area, a first for the expanded megabloco circuit. Despite concerns about rain on the day of the event, local revelers gathered en masse along the street Primeiro de Março, demonstrating unwavering support for the beloved bloco. The event’s organization benefitted from enhanced infrastructure put in place by the city government, highlighting a significant relationship shift between the bloco and public authorities after years of advocacy for a parade route that reflects the cortejo's scale.

This year’s parade was noteworthy not just for its anniversary but also for the special repertoire prepared to honor iconic Brazilian singer Preta Gil. Custom arrangements of beloved songs added a celebratory atmosphere to the festivities, underscoring the bloco's importance in Rio's culture. The choice of Preta Gil for tribute might signify the bloco’s intention to connect with contemporary and historical aspects of Brazilian music, appealing to a broader audience while retaining its cultural essence.

Overall, Cordão do Boitatá’s 30th anniversary is indicative of its resilience and commitment to celebrating Brazilian culture, even in the face of adversity such as inclement weather. The event not only brings joy to attendees but also reinforces the bloco’s status as an essential part of Rio’s cultural heritage, attracting support from both locals and tourists alike, thereby strengthening community ties in the heart of the city.