Salvador is gearing up for the exhilarating pre-Carnival celebrations with two vibrant events planned for the upcoming weekend: the Fuzuê and Furdunço. Taking place on February 22 and 23, 2025, respectively, these festivities expect to draw large crowds eager to immerse themselves in the festive spirit of Brazil’s biggest street party.
The Fuzuê, which kicks off at 1 PM on Saturday, February 22, will feature 44 cultural groups bringing the city to life through their captivating performances. This year’s event aims to revive the essence of traditional carnivals, incorporating lively parades filled with music and dance. The festivities will begin along the Circuito Orlando Tapajós, extending from the iconic Club Espanhol, situated in Ondina, to the beautiful Farol da Barra. Attendees are set to experience the rich history of Salvador's cultural heritage, brought to life through various groups like the Banda Marcial Dinah Gonçalves and the Bloco das Coleguinhas.
The following day, February 23, the Furdunço will take center stage, commencing at 2 PM. This highly anticipated event will include 59 diverse performances, drawing significant attention from both locals and tourists alike. Headliners such as BaianaSystem, Daniela Mercury, and É o Tchan promise to deliver unforgettable shows. The mix of mini-trios and larger ensembles aims to create an intimate yet electrifying atmosphere for festival-goers.
Adding to the excitement, the City of Salvador has organized special traffic arrangements to accommodate the anticipated influx of attendees, ensuring safety and mobility during the festivities. Authorities expect thousands to flock to the city, eager to share in the joy and vibrancy of one of the world’s largest street celebrations.
Compounded by the announcement of unique and diverse performances, the buzz surrounding BaianaSystem has intensified recently due to changes made to their performance scheduling. Initially slated to be the last act on stage, controversy erupted over the timing of their appearance, which was set for 11 PM. Many fans expressed concerns as this late start could interfere with their work schedules the following day—Monday, February 24. Responding to fan feedback, the organizers have adjusted the lineup, allowing BaianaSystem to now perform as the 51st attraction, with expectations set for them to take the stage around 10 PM. “A gente quer muito sair no horário ao menos parecido com os outros anos (...), que dá para as pessoas que vão trabalhar no outro dia,” stated Russo Passapusso, the band’s lead vocalist, emphasizing the group’s wish to accommodate fans.
Under the new lineup, Guga Meyra will now serve as the finale act of Furdunço, stepping up to close the festivities. The shift reflects the atmosphere of celebration and flexibility often associated with Carnival, demonstrating both the organizers’ responsiveness to public sentiment and the performers’ desire to create memorable events for their audience.
The weekend will be packed with excitement as Salvador’s iconic festival season approaches, only adding to the anticipation surrounding Carnival, expected to officially start on February 27. With diversely rich performances, both Fuzuê and Furdunço are set to showcase the essence of Salvador's Carnival spirit—an exhilarating mix of cultural richness, music, harmony, and dancing, creating lasting memories for all attendees.
Following these events, the city will host yet another edition of Furdunço on March 2, 2025, during Carnival, extending the scope of celebration and offering yet another opportunity for people to engage with the vibrant cultural and musical experiences Salvador has to offer.