City - and our sister club Bahia – will be hosting special celebrations at the Etihad around the Ipswich game.
It will be a fantastic way for you, our supporters, to build up to the game itself so make sure you arrive early to take in the festivities.
You can find out all you need to know below.
What is it?
Bahia in Manchester is a matchday celebration that brings together football and music – and merges English and Brazilian culture.
It proved hugely popular against Fulham in September 2023 – so much so that we have brought it back this season on Saturday.
It’s sure to create a real party mood in the stadium on matchday.
Who is performing?
Carlinhos Brown (pictured above) – one of the most prominent Brazilian musical artists of today and a Bahia football fan – will be the star guest for the game on Saturday.
He will be on the Blue Carpet between 12:55 to 13:25 alongside Olodum Afro Percussion Group, one of the most important Afro-Brazilian percussion groups in history.
Between 13:35 and 13:40, Carlinhos, a former judge on Brazil’s ‘The Voice’, will welcome the players off the bus alongside Olodum and Capoeira Circles while he will do an interview pitchside on Matchday Live between 14:35 and 14:40.
Is Carlinhos excited to return?
Carlinhos has spoken of his delight at returning to the Etihad this weekend for our latest ‘Bahia in Manchester’ celebrations.
He is thrilled to be back with the fans and relishing his chance to once again perform in what he calls his ‘new home’.
“When I was at Manchester for last season’s Fulham game I sensed a magical feeling and I can’t wait to return to the Etihad for the second edition of Bahia in Manchester’s festivities,” said the Latin Grammy winner.
“For me, to welcome the Manchester City team was an emotional moment filled with of joy and happiness throughout the day.
“I felt at home at Manchester, my new home. The way that I was welcomed made me feel so happy.
“That was the reality then - they showed respect, positivity and while it is distant from my actual home, it was a welcoming feeling at my new one.
“I love making music and to do this in front of fans who show their support for the Brazilian music that I am performing, that makes me feel so humble and thankful for the opportunity. And I can’t wait to do this again.”
Savinho makes his Etihad bow on the day, what’s he had to say about Bahia celebrations?
Savinho is expecting a ‘magical mood’ on Saturday as City host Ipswich in our Premier League home opener alongside the Brazilian backdrop of ‘Bahia in Manchester’.
Savinho will be relishing a potential Etihad debut against Kieran McKenna’s newly-promoted Tractor Boys, after impressing in cameo performances versus Manchester United and Chelsea.
The 20-year-old was unveiled at the stadium, with new women’s ace Vivianne Miedema, earlier this month and can’t wait to return there this weekend.
But the winger says he’s even more thrilled after discovering this weekend’s fixture will include Bahia celebrations which will bring together football and music and create a real party mood in the stadium on matchday.
“I received an unbelievable reception from fans at my unveiling event,” Savinho told us.
“I was really excited to meet our supporters and it gave me a great feeling to hear the way they received me at the Etihad.
“It made me even more excited to play in front of them and show them what I can do.
“Now is another milestone moment – my first matchday at our home stadium. That is something I can’t wait to experience.
“That is enough to excite me but now I have been told ‘Bahia in Manchester’ is being celebrated on the day. That makes the day doubly special.
“I’m sure fans from Bahia who make the trip will create a magical mood and a really positive, upbeat atmosphere on the day.
“I hope we can get the good result to make it even more memorable.”
What time does it all start?
Make sure you get to the Etihad early to enjoy the day.
It all starts at 11:30.
What’s the running order on the day?
The Kids Fanzone is the place to be early doors, with Moonchester, Moonbeam, Superman and Wonderwoman mascots in attendance from 11:30 to12:15, Bonfim Wish Ribbons giveaways taking place from 11:30 to 14:00 and Afro Percussion Group Olodum performing from 11:45 to 12:15.
Carlinhos Brown as well as Olodum will be on the West Reception Blue Carpet between 12:55 and 13:25 along with City and Bahia mascots – with Carlinhos welcoming the players off the bus ahead of kick-off as they arrive at the Etihad between 13:35 and 13:40.
Then he will perform on the Blue Carpet stage between 13:50 and 14:20 accompanied by Olodum and Capoeira Circles.
Olodum and Capoeira Circles will then entertain the crowd in-stadium between 14:30 and 14:35 while Carlinhos will take to the pitch to talk on our Matchday Live Show.
What else is happening on the day?
Oscar nominee and Latin Grammy winner Carlinhos will also be gifting tokens of Bahian culture, including the famous Lord of Bonfim ribbons (pictured above), to supporters on the day.
These small coloured ribbons, a huge part of Bahia culture, feature the phrase ‘Lembrança do Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia’ or ‘Remembrance of the Lord of Bonfim of Bahia’.
The tradition is to tie the ribbon around the wrist, making three knots and with each knot making a wish.
The wishes are said to come true when the ribbon falls off on its own.
