Carnival Kicks Off In Brazil Despite Zika Virus (Photos)

Posted By: Zenobia Bel

08/02/2016 13:21:00
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Despite warnings that the traditional Carnival clothes - or lack thereof - would accelerate the spread of the Zika virus, performers and revelers taking part in Brazil's nationwide street fest have been going down the classic route.

In Sao Paulo, Brazil's most populous city and its economic capital, the second day of carnival celebrations saw a number of samba schools parade through the streets in jaw-dropping costumes covered in diamantes, feathers... and not much more.

Medical experts have warned that the celebrations held all over Brazil in the coming days could become an 'explosive cocktail' that will see the mosquito-transmitted Zika spread at globally.

Members of the Academic Rocinha samba school during the first day of parades serial access group The Carnival in Rio de Janeiro on Marques de Sapucai Sambadrome

Samba revellers perform during the first day of parades in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The carnival is expected to attract some five million people both from Brazil and around the globe

Members of the Academic Rocinha samba school depicted on their first day of parades

A reveller dressed as a clown on the first day of parades in Rio de Janeiro

A dancer from Academic Rocinha samba school perform in Rio

Revelers of the Academicos do Tucuruvi samba school perform during the second night of the carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Sao Paulo

Uncovered: Two female dancers take to the streets of Sao Paulo during the Carnival celebrations despite warnings that the traditional clothes - or lack thereof - worn by performers and revellers could expose them to mosquitoes

Curves ahead: Beautiful dancers leads the Unidos do Peruche and Imperio de Casa Verde samba schools during their Sunday performance in Sao Paulo

The school's performance 'Je suis Vai-Vai. Bem-Vindos a Franca!' went down a treat during the second night of the carnival parade

Razzle dazzle: A dancer from the Vai-Vai samba school's France-inspired show performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo

Amazing: A float inspired by what appears to be the Inka culture travels through the carnival parade in Sao Paulo

Mayra, 11, kisses her mother Daniele Kelly, 31, who is seven months pregnant, inside their stilt house, a lake dwelling also known as palafitte or 'Palafito', in Recife

Ms Pereira, right, holds her daughter Luiza, who was born with microcephaly, as she talks to Milena Kaline, who is three months pregnant, second right, and Eliane Santos, who is eight months pregnant, at their neighborhood in Santa Cruz do Capibaribe