A judicial dispute launched by the Crocodilo bloco, which is headed by acclaimed singer Daniela Mercury, has stirred significant controversy regarding the order of parades in the Barra-Ondina circuit in Salvador, Brazil. The Crocodilo bloco is claiming priority in the parade lineup, asserting that it was the first major bloco to leave Campo Grande in 1996 and parade in Barra, a change that was later adopted by other groups. This claim has sparked a contentious atmosphere among key players in the Salvador Carnaval scene.

On Saturday, a decision from the Bahia Court of Justice suspended the earlier injunction, which had altered the parade order in favor of the Crocodilo bloco. This ruling determined that Crocodilo would lead the parade starting at 15:30. However, other prominent blocs, including Olodum, Camaleão, and Coruja, challenged this injunction, highlighting concerns that changes made just days before the festivities could lead to logistical and commercial disruptions, in addition to complicating public safety plans.

The court's decision has upheld the initial parade positions, maintaining the order and effectively sidelining the Crocodilo bloco’s claims for priority. The ongoing conflict showcases not only the intense rivalries present in Salvador’s vibrant Carnaval culture but also the legal complexities that can arise from artistic and logistical competition among the city's famous samba groups. As the Carnaval approaches, the implications of this ruling will likely resonate throughout the celebrations, affecting both participants and fans alike.