Sunday Cookout

This weekend was another great weekend with some fun in the sun and lunch at the beach. Usually by the end of the day we are so worn out that we end up canceling our night plans for a date with the couch.  As carnival approaches the spirit of everyone seems to be at a high. People are just everywhere all the time. There are always activities at the beach including mini concerts, volleyball tournaments, and families just enjoying the sun. 

Sunday we had the pleasure of witnessing a Bloco parade for carnival. The weekend before we missed one because we were not home :) These parades start at the beginning of the beach road and go all the way to the end which is about 2 miles. There is usually a large truck that play music and everyone follows as they slowly move down the road.

To be a part of the parade you have to buy a ticket. The ticket includes: a t-shirt that must be worn so you can be identified as part of the group, water, beer, and various other drinks. Basically you pay to walk in a huge party while listening to music and have a great time with friends. 

We were not a part of the parade but we watched from our deck as we cooked out. Below are the pictures we took :)

The parade moving down the street. All the people participating are in red shirts. 

Getting closer... the music being played can be heard pretty much all over town. 

A water truck was leading the group that continuously sprayed water at the crowd and everyone dancing.

Trying to get a pick with us and the crowd in front of our house. 

The band playing music on the top of the truck. 

The beer and drink truck following behind the band. Drinks will only be given if you are in a red shirt that they provide to you.

For those not participating in the parade but just following along, have no fear. These guys with the umbrellas sell everything you could want. 

The crowd as they leave our house.

The police maintaing our blocked street. Notice how clean the streets are right after the crowed left! There were zero trash cans around but a group of people hired to clean up the mess as the parade made it's way down the street. Amazing. I wish they were here all the time because I really get annoyed with no trash cans along the street.

Well that has concluded our fun little weekend. Next weekend one of the larger Bloco parades is walking. I think the last count was around 3,000 tickets sold. A bunch of my friends are either walking in it or just hanging out at a restaurant down on the beach a little further! More pictures to come as carnival gets closer!!

Tchau,

Sara