The festivities, which take place in Brazil from February 28 to March 8, attract tens of thousands of people and generate considerable revenue, particularly for the textile and tourism industries.

As Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival celebrations kicked off on Saturday, dozens of dogs dressed as superheroes, clowns and cartoon characters paraded alongside their owners in one of the city’s most beloved canine street parties.

The best international feature Academy Award for Walter Salles’ timely drama backdropped the annual celebrations and validated a political movement: “It’s hard to put into words just how big of a moment this is.