Brazil prepares for Carnivale

Revellers dressed as comic book and movie characters took part in the “Desliga da Justica” carnival parade during pre-carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro over the weekend. The party starts in February, but pre-Carnivale festivities are underway.

According to Rio’s tourism office, Rio’s street Carnival this year will consist of 492 block parties, attended by an estimated five million enthusiasts.

Eduardo Rasberge, 48, known as Suitcase Woman painted his face as he prepared for the Banda de Ipanema block parade. The Suitcase Woman has been a Carnival regular for the past 30 years, honoring women and inspired by singer Carmen Miranda.

Rasberge wore a decorative suitcase on his head, topped with a replica of the Eiffel Tower.

Revelers danced in the streets during the Banda de Ipanema block parade.

A reveller hung a Guy Fawkes mask from her neck.

A street vendor wore party decorations she was selling.

A reveller participated in the parade.

Dozens of troupes parade in the city as a launching of the Brazilian most inportant festivity that runs ffrom Feb. 9-12.

A girl dressed as the fictional heroine Wonder Woman and bathed with kid’s spray foam was steadied on top of a barricade to get a better view.

A reveler dressed as superhero The Mask, showed off his moves.

The Simpsons’ character Duffman also took part.

As did Iron Man.

Revellers dressed as Disney’s “Snow White” and the “Evil Queen.”

Revellers dressed as video game character “Mario” and the Disney Princess “Jasmine.”

The Joker.

A worker rested on a Carnival float.

Members of the Grande Rio Samba school rehearsed at the ‘Cidade do Samba,’ or Samba City, in Rio de Janeiro.

Revellers were drenched with water during the annual “Escravos da Maua” block party in Rio de Janeiro.

Humans weren’t the only species getting in on the pre-carnival fun.

A worker prepared pieces to be attached to a carnival float.

A man worked on a float.

View inside the workshop of Ilha do Governador samba school –which this year’s theme is Vinicius de Moraes.

Revellers posed with their costumed canines during the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro.

A man worked in a carnival float for Beija Flor samba school.

A costumed couple kisses while celebrating at the “Blocao” dog carnival parade.