In the Rhythm of Samba: The Opening of the Brazilian Carnival

The Carnival of Brazil is an annual festival held between the Friday before Ash Wednesday and Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent, the forty-day period before Easter.

According to Guinness World Records, the carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the largest on the planet. It attracts millions of people who can watch huge parades organised by samba schools and take part in dancing and singing in the crowded streets.

This year, the Brazilian Carnival runs through 26 February.

Check out Sputnik's gallery to get a detailed view of the carnival's landmark moments.

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Drum queen Viviane Araujo from Mancha Verde samba school performs during the first night of the Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Sao Paulo, Brazil, February 22, 2020.

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Revellers of the Mancha Verde samba school perform during the first night of carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil at the city's Sambadrome in the early hours of February 22, 2020.

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Revellers of the Tom Maior samba school perform during the first night of carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil at the city's Sambadrome early on February 22, 2020.

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A Reveller from Barroca Zona Sul samba school performs during the first night of the Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Sao Paulo, Brazil, February 21, 2020. Picture taken February 21, 2020.

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Revellers of the Dragoes da Real samba school perform during the first night of carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil at the city's Sambadrome in the early hours of February 22, 2020.

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A reveller of the Tom Maior samba school performs during the first night of carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil at the city's Sambadrome early on February 22, 2020.

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Revellers of the Mancha Verde samba school perform during the first night of carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil at the city's Sambadrome in the early hours of February 22, 2020.

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A dancer from the Tom Maior samba school performs on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo early Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020.

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Dancers from the Barroca Zona Sul samba school perform on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020.

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A reveller of the Barroca Zona Sul samba school performs during the first night of carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil at the city's Sambadrome in the early hours of February 22, 2020.

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Revellers of the Tom Maior samba school perform during the first night of carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil at the city's Sambadrome early on February 22, 2020.

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Revellers from Dragoes da Real samba school perform during the first night of the Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Sao Paulo, Brazil, February 22, 2020.

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The Dragoes da Real samba school perform during the first night of carnival in Sao Paulo Brazil at the city's Sambadrome in the early hours of February 22, 2020.

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A dancer from the Barroca Zona Sul samba school performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 21, 2020.

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Dancers from the Tom Maior samba school perform on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo early Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020.

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Revellers pose as they take part in the annual block party known as "Carmelitas", during Carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, February 21, 2020.