simpatia é quase amor, ('friendliness is almost
love') debuted at rio's carnival in 1985, and the block has since
gone on to make quite a name for itself.
each year simpatia é quase amor
celebrates under a different theme, but there is always samba on
show and a wide range of outrageous costumes to keep the crowds
entertained.
the group is named after esmeraldo
simpatia-é-quase-amor, a character from aldir blanc's book rua
dos artistas e transversais.