Despite the massive outbreak of the Zika virus in Brazil, the country’s annual carnival roared ahead with ravellers jumping, dancing and singing on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and other cities. Here are some vibrant scenes from the event.
Uniao da Ilha samba school’s Drum Queen performs during the carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro. Photograph: Pilar Olivares/ Reuters
Uniao da Ilha samba school’s Drum Queen performs during the carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome. Photograph: Sergio Moraes/ Reuters
A reveller from the Rocinha samba school dances as she takes part in the Group A category of the annual carnival parade. Photograph: Ricardo Moraes/ Reuters
A reveller parades for Vila Maria samba school during a carnival in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
A reveller parades for Vila Maria samba school during the carnival in Sao Paulo. Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
Revellers parade for Gavioes da Fiel samba school in Sao Paulo. Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
Revellers take a selfie during the Galo da Madrugada (Rooster of the Morning) carnival parade in Recife, Brazil. Photograph: Ueslei Marcelino/ Reuters
A reveller takes part in an annual block party known as Cordao de Prata Preta, one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro. Photograph: Pilar Olivares/ Reuters
A reveller parades for the Unidos do Peruche samba school during the carnival in Sao Paulo. Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
A raveller kisses his pregnant wife during an annual block party known as Eu Acho e pouco (I think it is little), one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Olinda, Brazil. Photograph: Ueslei Marcelino/ Reuters
Revellers parade for the Unidos do Peruche samba school during the carnival in Sao Paulo. Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
Revellers parade for the Imperio de Casa Verde samba school in Sao Paulo. Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
Revellers parade for the Imperio de Casa Verde samba school in Sao Paulo Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
A reveller parades for the Vai-Vai samba school in Sao Paulo Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
Revellers parade for the Vai-Vai samba school during the carnival in Sao Paulo. Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
A reveller parades for the Vai-Vai samba school during the carnival in Sao Paulo. Photograph: Paulo Whitaker/ Reuters
Revellers of the Estacio de Sa samba school performs during the carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro. Photograph: Sergio Moraes/ Reuters
Revellers of Grande Rio samba school perform during the carnival parade at the Sambadrome. Photograph: Sergio Moraes/ Reuters
Revellers of Beija-Flor samba school perform during the carnival parade at the sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro. Photograph: Sergio Moraes/ Reuters