‘Carnival of democracy’: celebration returns to Rio after a two-year hiatus

‘Carnival is the street’: pre-Lenten revelry returns. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

In Rio de Janeiro, the saying goes that carnival begins right after the New Year.

So, since last month, exuberant Cariocas dressed in their sparkliest and skimpiest outfits have sambaed through the city’s historical centre to the sound of percussion and brass bands, lured to the streets as the blocos – musical troupes that lead the street parties – proclaim the unofficial launch of carnival.