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Carnival season kicks off in Brazil

Brazilian cities hold carnival warm-up events as the annual Rio Carnival is fast approaching

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Merrymakers in Brazil take to the streets in hundreds of open-air parties ahead of Rio's Carnival

© AP Photo/Leo Correa

People cool off in water during the "Escravos da Maua" block party, as part of pre-Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro

© AP Photo/Leo Correa

The queen of the Blocao troupe carries a dog during the Carnapet Parade, at the Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro

© EPA-EFE/ANTONIO LACERDA

Revelers perform on stilts during the "Escravos da Maua" block party in Rio de Janeiro

© AP Photo/Leo Correa

Dog is decked out in costume for the Blocao dog carnival parade along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro

© AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo

Woman in costume strikes a pose during the Bicho Maluco Beleza carnival parade in Sao Paulo

© AP Photo/Andre Penner

"Escravos da Maua" block party, as part of pre-Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro

© AP Photo/Leo Correa

Revelers perform on stilts during the "Escravos da Maua" block party in Rio de Janeiro

© AP Photo/Leo Correa

A dog wears a Wonder Woman costume during the dog carnival parade on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro

© AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo

A woman wearing lights sits on a bench as she takes part in the Perola da Guanabara street party at Paqueta island in Guanabara Bay in Rio de Janeiro

© AP Photo/Leo Correa

Brazilian Carnival is one of the most colorful and exciting festivals in the world. Block parties are filling the streets in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo before the start of the country's over-the-top Carnival, the highlight of the year for many. See the pre-carnival celebrations that keep the whole country in a festive mood and attract visitors from around the world.

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