by newzulu
BRAZIL, Rio de Janeiro: Men dress up as Minnie Mouse as thousands of revelers take over the city on January 23, 2016 in a massive street party two weeks ahead of Carnival. In the weeks leading up to the Carnival's official opening day on February 5, 2016, groups of people organize 'blocos', or street parties. Blocos are usually held in local neighbourhoods and feature brass bands and are much less formal than the parades.