Buttman Carnaval | Rio Xx

Around the throne, dozens of dancers in feathered costumes performed the samba de roda , their skirts swishing in perfect sync. At the top of the throne, a performer dressed as Butt‑Man—complete with a bright orange jumpsuit, a stylized cape shaped like a stylized, non‑sexualized silhouette, and a massive, comically oversized “crown” that resembled a pair of winged sandals—raised a glittering pandeiro in the air, calling the crowd to the rhythm. One of the most popular units was the Bumbum Brigade , a troupe of 150 drummers, dancers, and acrobats whose costumes featured bold, geometric patterns reminiscent of traditional barracões (carnival trucks). Their most distinctive feature: a series of inflatable, semi‑transparent “buttocks” that bobbed and swayed in time with the drums, creating a visual echo of the music’s pulsating beats.

The decision was more than a marketing stunt. It signaled a conscious effort by the city to recognize the cultural democracy of Rio—where a beach‑ball trick could share the same stage as historic samba schools. It also served as a reminder that carnival, at its core, is about community, improvisation, and joy. 1. The Flagship Float – “O Trono da Bunda” The centerpiece of the parade was a massive, 35‑meter float christened O Trono da Bunda (“The Throne of the Rear”). Designed by renowned set designer Luiz Fernando de Souza , it resembled a colossal, gilded throne perched atop a wave of glittering fabric. The throne’s backrest was a stylized, abstract representation of a human posterior, rendered in gold leaf, turquoise, and emerald sequins. Buttman Carnaval Rio XX

The quickly became a staple of Rio’s carnival calendar, a night where anyone could don a playful “butt‑mask” (a stylized, non‑erotic accessory) and dance the night away. Local DJ Ana “Bum” Pereira curated the set, mixing classic samba tracks with contemporary funk carioca, ensuring the rhythm never stopped. Epilogue: What Lies Ahead? The success of Buttman Carnaval Rio XX has sparked conversations about the future of carnival in Brazil. Scholars argue that the event demonstrates how carnaval can evolve without abandoning its roots—by embracing humor, encouraging participation from all walks of life, and promoting a positive body image. Around the throne, dozens of dancers in feathered

For Joaquim “Zé” Alves, now officially named by the city’s mayor during a televised ceremony, the journey is both humbling and exhilarating. “I never imagined that a beach‑ball trick would become a symbol of unity,” he said, his voice echoing over the roar of the crowd. “If my rear can bring people together, then maybe we’re all just dancing to the same beat inside.” Their most distinctive feature: a series of inflatable,