The festivities, which take place in Brazil from February 28 to March 8, attract tens of thousands of people and generate considerable revenue, particularly for the textile and tourism industries.

Rio de Janeiro's massive Sambadrome erupted in noisy celebrations Sunday (Monday in Manila) as the news broke that Brazil won its first Oscar, in the middle of the first day of its famous samba parades.

As Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival celebrations kicked off on Saturday, dozens of dogs dressed as superheroes, clowns and cartoon characters paraded alongside their owners in one of the city’s most beloved canine street parties.