in the 1980's, at the end of the dictatorship more blocos were born, including the ever more popular  simpatia é quase amor and suvaco do cristo.   

from there, blocos started to gain ever more social acceptance, and becoming popular both within brazil and outside the country.

in the year 2000, twelve of the most traditional blocos united to create sebastiana - associação independente dos blocos de carnaval de rua da zona sul, santa teresa e centro da cidade de são sebastião do rio de janeiro, an association to guide and lead overall blocos across rio de janeiro.