The so-called Clovis or Bate Bolas (‘Ball Bangers’) are specific groups of costumed and masked carnaval participants who circulate the streets during the Carioca (Rio) Carnaval. The Bate-Bola groups today are collectives which share a common identity, based on a specific understanding of the Bate Bola manifestation.

One of the expressions most representative of a people is music. In Brazil musicality and dance reveal the ‘Brazilian soul’ and demonstrate the people’s identify, whose non-indigenous heritage is part Indian, African and Portuguese. With continental dimensions we could say that there are ‘Brazils’ within Brazil because of its enormous environmental, social cultural and also musical diversity. Nevertheless, there is a phenomenon which reaches all regions of Brazil, Samba, and its moment of glory, which is Carnaval.

Kites have their origins in ancient China, from around 200 BC, where they were used by the army to send signals. Adopted by the world, the kite today is one of the most popular and traditional toys in the city of Rio de Janeiro, principally in the Cariocan suburbs, where there are few leisure alternatives for children or adults.

Kite-flying is a typically masculine practice which brings together children and adults. The techniques of kite-making are handcraft, passed from generation to generation. It is through this cultural knowledge that bonds between father and son are strengthened; even through the 'kite fights', strong links of friendship and solidarity are formed.