Millions of partiers descended on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, this weekend, gathering for the biggest holiday of the year: Carnival. The city is known for its massive two-day parade, which culminates in a Fat Tuesday celebration and falls just before the Catholic season of Lent. See photos from this year's festivities.
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A man covered in mud holds up his mud covered dog as another reveler takes a picture during the "Bloco da Lama," or "Mud Block" carnival parade.
Felipe Dana / AP Photo
Jennifer Lopez in the VIP box of Brahma at Rio de Janeiro's carnival.
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A dancer performs during the Carnival parade of the Imperio de Casa Verde samba school in Sao Paulo.
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Millions watch the sequin-clad samba dancers at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Carnival parade.
Victor R. Caivano / AP Photo
Performers from the Renascer de Jacarepagua samba school dance on a float during a carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro.
Victor R. Caivano / AP Photo
A dancer from the Renascer de Jacarepagua samba school parades on a float during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
A reveler of Camisa Verde e Branco samba school adjusts her costume before participating in the opening night of parades at the Sambadrome.
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A reveller of Rosas de Ouro samba school.
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Performers from the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school perform during the first night of parades. Rio's two nights of famously extravagant Carnival parades began late on February 18 in a burst of fireworks and to the cheers of festivalgoers who have been partying on the streets for days.
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The Rio Carnival, billed as "the greatest show on Earth" generates 250,000 jobs and revenues of $640 million for hotels, bars and restaurants, according to state estimates.
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Members of Renascer de Jacarepagua samba school perform.
Antonio Lacerda / EPA-Landov
