people in blocos wore 'fantasias', living out a fantasy of being someone else - while on the other side, at the balls, people wanted to be who they were, but anonymous and free of social roles and boundaries.

notably, within the balls, women who felt the repression of the 19th century could challenge some social boundaries, be it gender-specific or otherwise.

blocos and balls - it is creation versus erasure, and the means to either end is food for thought.

the attire for carnival balls was elegant and expensive, allowing only the rich and powerful to dress in such a way.

bloco-wear was and is inexpensive and homemade, catering to whatever message or feel the creator wants to invoke.