Bloco da Lexa livened up the Preta Gil megablock circuit this Sunday morning (25) and took thousands of people to Rua Primeiro de Março, in the center of Rio de Janeiro. At 8 am, at the opening of the program, the singer excited the audience, from the top of the electric trio, with successes on her return to the city’s street blocks.
Lexa left Carnival after the loss of her daughter Sofia in February 2025, three days after the girl’s birth. The singer appeared in colorful costumes to pay homage to Brazilian musical plurality, a theme she chose for the 2026 carnival.
Bloco da Lexa animated the Preta Gil megablock circuit. – Alex Ferro/Riotur
The music Fire Signsa hit by singer Preta Gil, who died in 2025 after long treatment for cancer and gave its name to Rio’s megablock circuit, opened the presentation. In the repertoire, there was also Sapequinha, Call Her and Only After Carnivalwithout leaving aside songs like Combatchypartnership with Anitta and Luísa Sonza, and Friend with Friendwhich he released last week with MC GW and MC Carol.
The trio’s entertainment also included the presence of other artists such as Lorena Simpson, Mc Nito, Lenny and DJ Jhury. The closing ceremony was done by singer Naldo Benny, alongside Lexa.
According to the president of Riotur, Bernardo Fellows, the second day of the megablock and the second weekend of blocks on the streets confirm that Rio is already taken over by the spirit of carnival. “The city is experiencing an intense, joyful and diverse occupation of public spaces, with millions of people on the streets celebrating in an organized, safe and democratic way.”
South zone
Outside the center, revelers spread out this Sunday to other parts of the city. In Largo dos Leões, in Humaitá, south zone, the traditional Só Caminha block was fun for those who wanted to escape megablocks and were able to enjoy the fairy tale theme which, according to the production, was chosen to encourage the use of costumes and please the young and adult audience.
Created in 2009, Só Caminha currently has around 100 members on the drums, led by master Caliquinho, who worked on the drums at the São Clemente samba school.
Alice’s tea
The presentations on the Preta Gil megablock circuit in 2026 opened this Saturday (24), with Chá da Alice, which despite the rain attracted thousands of revelers to the center of Rio.
With the proposal of diversity, freedom of expression and lots of joy, the block welcomed Mexican singer Christian Chávez, from the group RBD. It was the artist’s debut at Rio’s street carnival.
Alice’s Tea takes to the streets of Rio – Alex Ferro/Riotur
“Last year, I had the opportunity to parade in Sapucaí with Grande Rio and now I’m here with you in a megabloco. Thank you, Chá da Alice, for the invitation. It’s a pleasure”, said Chávez excitedly from the top of the trio.
Among the creative revelers, some preferred characters from the Alice in Wonderland universe. Everyone present danced and sang sambas and pagodas with the Sambay group, the first LGBTQIAPN+ samba circle in Brazil, which paid homage to Preta Gil by also singing Fire Signs.
The Bahian axé of the group Babado Novo was another moment of excitement with vocalist Mari Antunes, who sang hits that marked the band’s trajectory, such as Soap Ball and From January to January. Still in the megablock, the successes Evefrom Banda Eva, Macetandoby Ivete Sangalo, and Tchan’s Melôfrom the group É o Tchan, excited the audience.
“Chá da Alice has always been about creating a fun and inclusive environment. This year, the block reinforces this commitment, celebrating diversity in all its forms and bringing an experience that mixes music, performance and lots of joy”, said the creator of Chá da Alice, Pablo Falcão.
In 2026, 452 blocks will parade in Rio’s street carnival in the season that runs until February 22nd. Anyone who wants to check the schedule can use the Blocos do Rio 2026 app or access the official website.
