each year over 25,000 followers fall in line behind the block's procession, a part of which takes place in the sprawling botanical gardens - many men dress up in drag, much like the banda de ipanema, as the alcohol and merriment flow freely.

the block has gained particular notoriety for hosting a number of different groups with its main core, each of which wears a number of eccentric, bright costumes and stages various performances that excite the jovial masses who turn out to show their support.