Carnival revelers Sunday in northeastern Brazil's Madre de Deus experienced a unique spectacle that delighted both the eyes and the ears. Over 30 parade participants, adorned in intricate costumes made entirely from recycled aluminum cans, traversed the streets of the island in Bahia state's Bay Of All Saints, marking the annual celebration with resounding joy.
Known as the "bloco da latinha" or the can street party in Portuguese, this vibrant event has become a beloved tradition in Madre de Deus since its inception in 1997. The idea emerged from a desire to address the environmental impact of Carnival festivities, particularly the sea of discarded cans left behind after the revelry.
Carnival Parade Turns Recycled Cans Into Art
Bloco da Latinha, a street carnival group, during a parade on the last day of carnival in Madre de Deus, Bahia State, Brazil on February 9, 2016. "Bloco da Latinha members, mostly fishermen, wear costumes made of aluminium cans, which they start to collect two months before carnival. Each costume weighs about 11-15 kg. After the carnival, all cans are donated to a hospital in Salvador, Bahia.
What started as a small group of friends and family collecting cans to reduce littering soon evolved into a colorful display of creativity and sustainability. Each costume, referred to as a "pierro," is meticulously crafted from approximately 1,600 recycled cans, gathered and washed to ensure cleanliness.
Despite initial challenges in sourcing enough cans due to the formalization of recycling practices in the region, the group persisted and relaunched the street party in 2011 with renewed determination.
Over the years, the event has garnered widespread attention and support, drawing hundreds of enthusiastic onlookers who marvel at the elaborate outfits and rhythmic clang of aluminum.
President of the group, Aloísio Jesus da Silva, reflected on the evolution of the can street party, emphasizing the journey from humble beginnings to the present-day spectacle.
"Nine people came out. It was clumsy, there were no masks. From then on, we started to improve bit by bit. And thank God, here we are now," da Silva remarked, according to AFP.
The costumes, meticulously assembled with cans sorted by color and type, feature intricate designs and motifs, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the participants.
In recent years, the group received a significant boost when they were invited to showcase their creations on a national television program, 'Heat up!,' amplifying their message of environmental consciousness to a broader audience.
Madre de Deus Can Street Party Empowers Recyclers
As the popularity of the group has grown, so too has the demand for aluminum cans to create additional costumes.
Recognizing the economic challenges faced by its members, the street party now compensates individuals who collect recyclable materials for a living, providing them with a source of income while promoting environmental stewardship.
However, the initiative is not without hurdles.
"Every year, it's very difficult," remarked Ednailton Santos, 59, the vice president of the group. Expressing their desire for sponsorship, Santos added, "But no one listens to us."
Despite these challenges, Santos remains a proud member of the street party, advocating for the message it conveys to both the young and old residents of Madre de Deus.
"We show people that the can they threw away has a lot of prestige because with it, we make a costume that brings a lot of happiness," Santos said, underscoring the transformative power of creativity and community spirit, as reported by AFP.
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