this cordão da bola preta is also the oldest in rio still in activity, having been created in 1918 in the lapa neighborhood - it established many of the characteristic elements of the modern blocks.

one of these elements is the 'marchinha' (little march), a rhythm the bloco uses as its leitmotif - the 'marchinha' is a very interesting detail in regard to this block, as it truly shows its age.

another element are the thematic t-shirts for those who take part in the marchinha - in bola preta's case white shirts with black balls painted on them.