Every Tuesday of carnival, vigilante Adonias Samuel climbs the wall of his sister's house on Rua de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe in Olinda to count the revelers passing by. This playful undertaking began in 2009 when, inspired during a meal 25 years ago, he decided to track the number of people enjoying the festivities. Equipped only with a clipboard and a pen, he humorously claims to be the official counter of the carnival crowd in the Historic Site.

Over the years, Adonias has transformed this simple act into a local custom, delighting both locals and tourists alike. Initially, he used to sit in the middle of the street to count, but the increasing crowds made it challenging, especially when larger parades, like Ceroula and Eu Acho é Pouco, passed by. To avoid being overwhelmed, he chose the vantage point of his sister’s wall, ensuring a more stable position for his counting duties while still engaging with the festive atmosphere below.

Adonias's whimsical role has not only become an endearing part of the Olinda Carnival but also highlights the creativity and community spirit that this event embodies. His counting has sparked curiosity among passersby, some jokingly asking whether he is counting horns and bears instead of revelers. Through his unique presence, Adonias has established himself as a beloved figure, symbolizing the joy and cultural richness of Olinda's carnival celebrations.