FAQ (BLOCOS)

WHAT IS AN ABADÁ?

An abadá is a shirt that allows you to enter a bloco or camarote. The abadá is valid for one night only, the date printed on the shirt.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE BLOCO PRICE?

The abadá/shirt allows admission inside the protected corded area so that you can follow a band/trio elétrico on its run through the carnival circuit. Drinks and food are NOT included in the price of admission*. Each bloco is accompanied by a support car that has a restroom, a bar where one can purchase drinks (beer, whiskey, energy drinks, soft drinks, water) and buy snack foods (potato chips, peanuts, etc.), and an area for medical assistance (if needed).

*The only bloco that does include drinks is BLOCO OPEN BARRA

IF I PURCHASE AN ABADÁ CAN I GO OUT WITH THE BLOCO EVERY DAY?

No. The abadá only allows you to go out with the bloco one time, the date printed on the abadá.

CAN I JOIN THE BLOCO AFTER IT HAS STARTED ITS CARNIVAL RUN?

Yes, as long as you are wearing a valid abadá, you can join your bloco at any time and place.

CAN I LEAVE THE BLOCO AND COME BACK IN?

Yes, as long as you are wearing a valid abadá, you can enter and exit the bloco as you please.

CAN I ENTER THE BLOCO WITHOUT AN ABADÁ?

No. You will not be allowed to enter the bloco if you are not wearing the appropriate abadá. Also, you must continue to wear your abadá while inside the corded area. If you remove your abadá, security will assume you are not part of the bloco and you will be asked to leave.

CAN I CUSTOMIZE THE ABADÁ?

Yes. You can custom cut the abadá as you please (and many Brazilians do), but do NOT cut off any of the relevant information printed on the shirt (such as the symbol of the bloco or the date stamped on the shirt).

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A BLOCO TO RUN THE CARNIVAL CURCUIT?

It takes a bloco roughly 4 to 6 hours to run its carnival circuit.

WHAT IS A TRIO ELECTRICO?

A trio elétrico is an eighteen-wheel truck with giant amplified speakers on top of which is a stage where the band plays as it makes it's run around the Carnival Circuit.

WHAT IS A SUPPORT CAR?

The support car provides logistical support to the trio elétrico, including a bathroom, bar, medical services, etc. The support car is amplified so that people in the back of the bloco also can hear the full sound of the band. A VIP abadá can be purchased should you wish to ride on top of the support car (though the cost is considerably more than the standard abadá).

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN A BLOCO?

Depending on the bloco, the amount can range from 200-6000 people.

ARE THERE BATHROOMS IN THE BLOCO?

Yes, the bathrooms are located in the support car of the bloco.

CAN I GO OUT WITH MORE THAN ONE BLOCO ON A GIVEN DAY?

Yes, if you have the energy for it!

FAQ (CAMAROTES)

WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE CAMAROTE PRICE, AND HOW DO THE CAMAROTES DIFFER?

Some camarotes are ALL-INCLUSIVE, meaning both food and drinks are included in the price. ALL-INCLUSIVE CAMAROTES: Camarote Salvador, Oceania, Nana, Harém, Cerveja & CIA. Other camarotes offer an OPEN BAR. While food is NOT included, these camarotes will have a food court where it can be purchased. OPEN BAR CAMAROTES: Camarote Skol, Camarote Central. There are some camarotes where neither food nor drinks are included in the price, though they are available for purchase once inside.

While all camarotes function as "parties inside the party," they differ in the kind and quality of entertainment they offer. Some offer international name DJ's and big name musicians for live performances, while others may only offer local DJ's and/or cover bands. Some camarotes have affiliations with a select band or bloco. When this is the case, these bands will stop in front of the camarote and play a set. The camarotes also differ in the amenities/services they offer including beauty rooms with hair/make up stylists and abadá tailoring services; massage rooms, beach access, cyber rooms, etc. You can verify the amenities/services offered for each camarote on the Camarote Page

CAN YOU LEAVE THE CAMAROTE AND COME BACK IN?

Yes. Once you obtain an identification wristband at the Entrance/Check in station you can leave the camarote and return whenever you want on that particular evening.

IF YOU BUY A TICKET FOR A CAMAROTE, CAN YOU ENTER THE CAMAROTE EVERY NIGHT?

No. The abadá is valid for one night only, the date printed on the abadá.

FAQ (Buying with Salvador Carnival Guide)

CAN I CUSTOMIZE MY PACKAGES?

Yes, we can help you put together a package for your group. Contact us for more details.

CAN I PURCHASE AN ABADÁ, THEN CANCEL THE ORDER?

No. Once you have purchased the abadá, you cannot cancel the order. However, if you would like to switch your abadá for a different Bloco or Camarote, we will try and work with you to accommodate your request.

DO I NEED TO SCHEDULE MY PURCHASES?

Know your arrival date and confirm the blocos' schedule so that you don't miss the event. It is recommended you purchase the bloco and camarote in advance of your arrival date.

CAN I MAKE PURCHASES WHEN I ARRIVE?

Yes. However, prices will likely be higher and there is a risk that some blocos and camarotes will already be sold out.

WHEN AND WHERE ARE MY PURCHASES DELIVERED?

Your order will be delivered to your accommodation (apartment, hotel, or pousada) before or during carnival, depending on when you arrive. If you are staying at a hostel or hotel, check with your hotel/hostel attendant to see if your abadás have been delivered

CAN I CHANGE MY PURCHASE, I.E. SWITCH A BLOCO TO A CAMAROTE, OR VICE VERSA?

If you would like to switch your abadá for a different Bloco or Camarote, it MAY be possible. Costs may vary, depending on your purchase.

FAQ (APARTMENTS)

HOW CAN I BOOK AN APARTMENT?

Contact us to check apartment availability. To reserve an apartment, a 50% reservation deposit is required. The 50% balance payment is due upon arrival and entrance into the apartment.

IS THE BOOKING REFUNDABLE IF I CANCEL?

No, reservation deposits are NOT refundable. The reservation deposit is given to the apartment owner to secure the reservation. However, if you need to cancel, a good faith effort will be made to rent the apartment. If the apartment can be booked to another party, then 50% of your reservation deposit will be returned.

CAN I BRING GUESTS TO THE APARTMENT?

Each building is different. Some building's have conservative guest policies while others have liberal guest policies. Before you book an apartment, check to find out the policy at the place where you stay.

WILL I BE CHARGED A DEDUCTABLE FOR THE APARTMENT?

Maybe. Some owners require payment of a damage deposit in order to cover the cost of loss or ruin. The security deposit usually varies somewhere from BR$300 to BR$1,000. If a damage deposit is taken, it will be returned at the time of check out. In the case of a dispute over damage to the apartment, Salvador Carnival Guide will mediate on behalf of both you and the apartment owners in the attempt to reach a satisfactory settlement for all parties involved.

FAQ (PAYMENTS)

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?