Bafo da Onça celebrated 70 years with a special parade this Carnival Monday (16), marking a new chapter in the block’s history. In 2026, the group occupied the slopes of Santa Teresa, in the center of Rio de Janeiro, for the first time, and debuted a drum kit with more than 100 rhythm players. 
Another novelty was the partnership with Cacique de Ramos, a group that was once a rival, but is now an ally.
Founded in 1956, in a bar in Catumbi, by Sebastião Maria, known as Tião Maria, Bafo da Onça is the second oldest active block in Rio de Janeiro, behind only Cordão da Bola Preta. Over seven decades, it became a symbol of street carnival and popular culture in Rio. For more than 50 years, the block has been led by Roberto Saldanha, known as Capilé.
The move to Santa Teresa is seen by members as a return to their origins.
“It’s the fourth year in a row that I’ve come as a jaguar from Bafo da Onça. It’s a great joy. All the other years have been on Avenida Chile. The first time in Santa Teresa brings a lot of joy and a lot of good things”, says Rafa Manso, a member of the group.
“The leopard shows how much of a beast we are. She is a central character of the block”, he explains.
For the bloc’s president, Roberto Saldanha, parading in Santa Teresa has a special meaning.
“This is a dream for me. I’m in my backyard. I’m at home. Here we know everyone. There’s nothing fuss or problem, here we just want to play”, he declares.
Among the highlights of the procession is Chelen Verlink, Queen of Bafo da Onça, who has been following the group since she was a teenager.
“I started as a princess, when I was 13. Today I’m 27 and in the role of Queen. We’re growing together with the group”, explains Chelen.
“My mother always liked it and the president invited me. Since then, I have been actively participating. Bafo has always been a family block for me”, he adds.
The parade recalls the reconstruction after a fire hit the historic headquarters of Bafo da Onça in 2020, destroying instruments, costumes and part of the collection. As part of this process, the block debuted a new drum kit, equipped with instruments acquired through a parliamentary amendment.
Another highlight of the parade was the partnership with Cacique de Ramos. The rapprochement began in 2025, when the traditional Cacique samba circle performed for the first time at the Bafo court, during the Mergulho da Onça event.
“In reality, we were never rivals. We are brothers. They bring a wing to parade with us. Carnival is a party”, reinforces Saldanha.
Among revelers, the news is also celebrated. Luana Brito, 31 years old, left Bangu, in the West Zone, to follow the parade.
“I had already planned to come. On Saturday, I went to other blocks, but today I wanted to come to Bafo da Onça, which I know is a very good block. This partnership is perfect. The expectation is that it will be perfect”, says Luana.
For the members, the union between traditional blocks strengthens the street carnival.
“It will attract more people. It’s good that other blocks also come together to enhance the traditional blocks”, says Rafa.
The 70th anniversary parade keeps Bafo da Onça on the official circuit and reaffirms the group’s vocation of occupying public space as a territory for encounter, memory and celebration.
