sebastiana is an association of twelve among the oldest and most traditional blocos in rio, and at this event the bateria da sebastiana, composed by drummers from all blocos in the association, leads the march across town. 

there is a great deal of excitement leading up to the carnival celebrations, and grito da sebastiana certainly attracts a huge amount of attention from revelers looking to get the party started.

another pre-carnival bloco, who also march during the main event, is bloco virtual.