One of the most anticipated celebrations, the Rio Carnival, was kick-started in the city of Rio de Janeiro on Saturday (February 9 2013). Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes (second left) claps his hands after handing over the ceremonial key of the city to the Rei Momo, or Carnival King, Milton Junior (second right) at Cidade Palace on Friday (February 8 2013). The event officially kicks off this year’s carnival week in Rio. Picture: Sergio Moraes/Reuters

Drum queen Gracyanne Barbosa from the Jacarezinho samba school dances during the first night of the A Group yearly carnival parade. The samba school that wins the A Group will parade with other top samba groups at the special group performance next year. Picture: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

A beverages vendor dances as the Jacarezinho samba school starts to parade on the first night of the A Group yearly Carnival parade. Picture: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

A dancer from the Jacarezinho samba school takes part in the parade. Picture: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

A dancer struts her stuff during the yearly block party known as Carmelitas. Picture: Pilar Olivares/Reuters

Revellers dressed as smurfs take part in the yearly block party known as Cordao do Bola Preta. Picture: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

US President Barack Obama impersonator Rinaldo Americo poses with a banner. It reads: This man is me. Picture: Ricardo Moraes/Reuters

Revellers gathered to participate in the yearly block party. Picture: Sergio Moraes/Reuters

Revellers gathered to participate in the yearly block party. Picture: Sergio Moraes/Reuters