(11 Feb 2018) The lavish parade at the Sambadrome may be the highlight of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival, but it is the accompanying street party that makes it the biggest celebration in the world.
The "blocos" - as block parties are called in Portuguese - attract thousands of revellers that sing, dance and have lots of fun without spending much or any money.
On Sunday morning, the streets of downtown Rio by the old colonial XV Square, were filled with one of the city's most traditional blocos – the Boitata.
Like many other Carnival groups, those taking part in the Boitata are also suffering from the difficult times in the Brazilian economy, which is mired in recession, leading to daily announcements of job cuts and much angst about the future.
Many states, including Rio de Janeiro, are so broke that thousands of public workers are being paid months late, if at all.
Amid concerns over the economy increasing and higher inequality throughout Brazil, the Boitata proposed another way of financing this year's street Carnival.
The group decided not to look for private sponsors and instead passed the hat among the revellers to finance this year's party.
Carnival in 2018 is a time to blow off steam at a time of economic angst and fury with politicians over sprawling corruption scandals and recession.
With just a cheap improvised costume, a can of beer and the sound of the drums, Brazilians will party until Wednesday.
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