The world's biggest street got underway on Friday in Rio de Janeiro, where hundreds of thousands of revellers will congregate on the city's streets for four days prior to Ash Wednesday on February 21st.
The climax of the event is the Parade of Schools in the purpose built Sambadrome arena, which houses 180,000. Colourful floats lined with exotic dancers and samba bands comprise the long parade, which needs to be booked in advance due to the intense demand for tickets.
But the samba parade is just one part of the carnival that dominates every aspect of Brazilian life in Rio. There are hundreds of free events such as balls, impromptu music gigs and markets all across the city.
On Friday, mayor Cesar Maia began the celebrations by handing over the city's key to the 'carnival king'.
"From this moment, happiness will reign across the city," he announced.
There is a strong police presence this year due to rising tensions between rival gangs in the city, which have been growing in recent months.
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