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.