Samba time! Brazil’s Carnival erupts in an explosion of colour as millions thunder through the streets for the start of the five-day fiesta
Brazil's Carnival celebrations opened with a bang yesterday as hundreds of thousands took to the streets to enjoy the start of the country's famous parades and street parties.
Korean popstar Psy, whose "Gangnam Style" single with its signature dance moves has made him a global phenomenon, performed to huge crowds in Salvador, Brazil's third-biggest city, last night.
Other Brazilian and foreign celebrities, including US actress Megan Fox, are flying out to liven up the celebrations in Rio de Janeiro and elsewhere.
Got rhythm: a queen of the drums of the Rosas de Ouro samba school performs during the first night of Sao Paulo's Carnival parades
Technicolor samba: dancers from the Rosas de Ouro samba school perform in Sao Paulo in the small hours of this morning
Fab for a parade: members of the Academicos do Tatuape samba school perform in Sao Paulo while this dancer from the Rosas de Ouro samba school is dwarfed by his float
Charge: after the Sao Paulo festivities last night and tonight, parades in Rio kick off on Sunday
In flight: the samba groups bid to outperform each other, and carnivals in the regions of Brazil showcase different styles of samba linked to their local heritage
Energy: carnival marks the run-up to Lent, historically a few days of indulgence before the period of abstinence
Come on, boys: the five days of parades, balls and street parties are expected to attract millions of locals and tourists
Dazzle: revellers from the Academicos do Tatuape samba school and the samba school Mancha Verde Special Group join in the first night of carnival parade at Sao Paolo's Sambadrome
Big band: drummers from the Mancha Verde samba school make some noise
SRC- Dailymail
