Carnival Customization: The Rise of Personalized Abadás

With less than a month until Carnival, the energy in Greater Recife is palpable. The city's sewing workshops are in a frenetic race to meet a surge in demand for custom-made costumes and exclusive designs for the festivities. A primary driver of this boom is the trend of personalizing abadás, the iconic shirts worn by parade blocs, allowing revelers to stand out in the vibrant crowd.

This year, the focus has shifted from simply wearing the block's uniform to transforming it into a unique fashion statement. From simple DIY tweaks to elaborate, handcrafted designs, the abadá has become a canvas for personal expression, fueling a cottage industry of local artisans and creative entrepreneurs.

For those looking to customize their attire without breaking the bank, influencer Duda Pontes has shared several accessible techniques that can be completed in as little as ten minutes. Specializing in online fashion content, Pontes emphasized that creating a standout look requires minimal investment and time.

"Aquele abadá em dez minutos, dá para fazer. Em 20 minutos também, a gente consegue customizar com paetês, miçangas."

Her practical advice includes:

• Cutting a palm-length strip from the abadá's hem to create a top, secured with two small side holes.
• Using a belt buckle to tie the fabric into a cropped top, optionally adding a glued-in cup for volume.
• Decorating a bikini with rhinestones to wear under a modified top.
• Creating a discreet cropped look by cutting the abadá and tying it with a rope, paired with a necklace.

While DIY methods are popular, many revelers seek professional craftsmanship for truly unique pieces. Helena Lucas, a costureira with 42 years of experience, has been receiving orders since December from her atelier in the Espinheiro neighborhood. She notes that clients increasingly request elaborate designs that go far beyond simple cuts.

"Tem muitas clientes que querem os abadás mais diferenciados. Então, elas já encomendam com antecedência, que é para a gente usar pedrarias, franjas, tudo o que o comércio nos oferece para realizar aquela customização. Não é só cortar, é cortar e elaborar."

Lucas, who began her career creating ballet costumes, applies the same meticulous detail to Carnival wear. Her services start at R$140 and include integrating the abadá with other clothing elements. "A gente faz a montagem de acordo com aquele modelo que a cliente escolheu," she explains, highlighting her focus on transforming the abadá into a cohesive, elaborate garment.

The demand has prompted workshops to adapt their business models for efficiency. In the Parnamirim neighborhood, another atelier offers pre-made components to streamline the customization process. Co-owner Maria Isabel Abade explains their strategy of providing ready-to-wear pieces.

"Se o cliente quiser fazer um abadá com uma sainha, ele deixa a medida e a parte de cima nós já temos pronta. Ele compra com a gente. Já facilita a vida dele. Já economiza tempo e tudo fica rotativo."

Prices for customizations at this location begin at R$100, with add-ons like rhinestone tops and corsets available. Meanwhile, another establishment in Recife has significantly increased its workforce to cope with the volume. Entrepreneur Diana Nunes reported her team handles up to 100 customizations daily during peak periods.

• Current staff: 10 fixed employees
• Planned expansion: 7 additional hires
• Peak workload: 100 customizations per day

The surge in abadá customization reflects a broader desire for individuality within the collective joy of Carnival. Whether through a quick DIY project or a meticulously crafted piece, revelers are investing in personal expression, turning a simple shirt into a memorable part of their Carnival experience.

As the festivities approach, the workshops of Greater Recife continue to stitch together creativity and tradition, ensuring that every participant can shine in their own unique way. The trend underscores the event's role not just as a party, but as a vibrant showcase of local artistry and personal style.