As Muquiranas

As Muquiranas is one of the most important and renowned blocks of the Carnival in Salvador, Bahia. Established in 1965, it holds the distinction of being the first cross-dressing block in the history of the world's largest popular festival. Comprised solely of men, the group stands out for its creativity and the beauty of its costumes, generating anticipation among both the public and the media each year.

Founded by Lindolfo Araújo de Carvalho, also known as Charita, As Muquiranas began in a unique way. Charita was originally part of the Carnival block A Nega Maluca, where only one man dressed as a woman. When one of the directors passed away, A Nega Maluca dissolved, and Charita continued the tradition by forming a block where he and his friends took to the streets dressed as women.

Shortly afterwards, they named the block 'As Muquiranas. ' At first, due to the novelty of male participants dressing as women, the block generated controversy. However, the demand for costumes grew with each passing Carnival.

In the early years, Charita received help from his wife, Dona Florisa, his mother Dona Aidê, and his cousins Lícia and Leia, who created and sewed the costumes, custom-made for each participant. As Muquiranas has adapted to the changing face of the Bahian Carnival, accumulating a wealth of experiences. While embracing modernity in their outfits, they have remained rooted in tradition, outfitting their participants in thematic and irreverent costumes.

Today, the block As Muquiranas is led by the sons and grandchildren of Charita, the Paganelli family. Stay updated on all our news by subscribing to our newsletter. The theme for the 2021 Carnival is As Muquiranas in the Fashion World, aiming to bring glamour and sophistication to the streets by drawing inspiration from the timeless Barbie doll—an empowering and innovative toy created in 1959 by feminist entrepreneur Ruth Handler.

The costumes, designed by fashion designer Fabio Sande for the seventh consecutive year, will showcase a mixture of sophistication, delicacy, and female fashion, taking cues from the doll's hairstyles, makeup, and accessories that have captivated children worldwide since its launch. As tradition dictates, the block will parade on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday of Carnival. In response to numerous member requests, the group will also return to the Osmar circuit on Tuesday, parading all three days in Campo Grande/Avenida.

Stay tuned for updates on costume sales. Come and experience a fashionable Carnival with us! As Muquiranas also celebrates its anniversary with Muquifest, a yearly event held for the past 20 years. This occasion marks the official start of preparations for As Muquiranas' Carnival.

In the 2019 edition, attendees had an exclusive first look at the block's costume for the following year's festivities. Muquiverão, a pre-Carnival event held every December, serves as a warm-up for the main festival and is exclusively for Muquiranas enthusiasts who are already immersed in the spirit and excitement of the upcoming Carnival. Stay up to date with all our latest updates