some say that at that time, streets were dirt roads, and dust was inevitable - another reason why all participants would get quite dirty, and hence the name.

improvisation was crucial to parading along the city's streets and, among the many blocos in rio that parade during carnaval, the blocos dos sujos may be the best example of the tradition's spontaneity and chaos.

marching and singing down the streets, playing drums, blowing horns, and dancing to unplanned choreography and costumes were the key.

some blocos dos sujos have become famous for their satirized portrayal of national politics, always with the irony characteristic of carioca humor.