In the 1950s, Lurdinha and Marcos fall in love at the first sight. She studies at the Institute of Education, and he studies at the Military College. Two traditional educational institutions in 'Tijuca', in the North Zone of 'Rio de Janeiro'. But Lurdinha's conservative parents reject Marcos because he is son of separated parents and try, in every way, to keep him away from her.

The Caravana Rolidei rolls into town with the Gypsy Lord at the mike: he does magic tricks, the erotic Salomé dances, and the mute Swallow performs feats of strength. A young accordion player is completely enamored of Salomé, and he begs to come along. The Gypsy Lord shrugs, and the accordionist and his pregnant wife, Dasdô, join the troupe.