The Baianas Ozadas block kicked off its carnival festivities in Belo Horizonte with a traditional staircase washing ceremony at São José Church, celebrating its 14 years of cultural significance.
On Monday morning, February 16, as part of the carnival celebrations in downtown Belo Horizonte, the Baianas Ozadas bloco commenced its activities with the traditional washing of the stairs at the São José Church located on Avenida Afonso Pena. This ceremony started before the block's parade at 8 AM and draws inspiration from the renowned Lavagem do Bonfim, which takes place in Bahia. This year’s theme, 'From Bahia to Minas - Scheduled Meeting,' highlights the cultural and emotional connection between the two Brazilian states as the bloco celebrates its 14th anniversary.
One of the significant aspects of this year’s event is the homage to Serginho Marques, a pivotal figure in promoting Axé Music in Minas Gerais since the 1980s. Marques, who has been battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for the past four and a half years, participated in the parade and performed a reinterpretation of 'Taba,' a classic Axé Music song originally released in 1987 by Ricardo Chaves. This inclusion further emphasizes the bloco's commitment to accessibility, music, and cultural rituals of faith, creating an inclusive atmosphere for all participants.
The event not only serves as a display of vibrant carnival energy and cultural celebration but also reinforces the ties between different regions of Brazil, showcasing how traditional practices like the washing of steps can foster unity and pride within diverse communities. As the festivities unfold, they provide a space for reflection on the importance of cultural heritage and the contributions of influential personalities like Serginho Marques to the nationwide music scene and carnival culture.
