Carrying a giant puppet or a flag in a parade is an impressive sight! You can really go to town on creating something very unique.
Plus this is also a good option if you are a bit on the shy side and want to put your creations in the lime-light instead of your good selves!
Puppets will take a bit of time to put together, but can be done very cheaply by using recycled materials and papier mache.
Flags are a great way to create a big visual impact and you can make matching ones very easily. Remember to get a nice robust flag pole, but not too long (otherwise it’s a danger to the other people in the parade!)
You can also hold up signs with the name of your bloco or with messages that you want to share.
Have a look at these fantastic examples of how puppets have been used in carnival parades across the world:
Puppet-tastic parade at Skipton festival
Animal puppets in Cambodia
Making a giant walking puppet from water bottles