Brazilians kick off massive block party
STORY: With about 300 attendees, the Cordao do Boitata has become one of the city's most traditional block parties or "blocos".
Revelers donned colorful costumes depicting nuns, devils, and superheroes.
Locals also carried a big snake figure, representing the fantastic creature called "Boitata". According to Brazilian mythology, the huge fire serpent attacks those who harm the Amazon.
Although Brazil has become globally famous for its glitzy Sambadrome parades, traditional partying happens on the street.
Rio de Janeiro's government banned street carnivals this year but also said that there won't be controls.
