Home News Highlights Spotlights Carnival kicks off in Rio – Photo Collection


A reveler sprays water on fellow merry makers cooling them off during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” pre-Carnival street party, amid a heat wave in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Transgender woman Vanessa Alves, 60, practices before the start of a samba class for the Carnival parade at the Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Renata Carvalho sings during the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Transgender woman Negriny Venture dances during a Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school rehearsal for Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Celia Regina, left, dances with a sex worker during a pre-Carnival block party in the Vila Mimosa red-light district in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Sex workers, and supporters paraded in the block party, demanding attention to their problems, such as better health, safety and visibility. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler dressed as a devil sticks out her tongue during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” pre-Carnival street party, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Raquel Poti, center back, performs on stilts during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” pre-Carnival street party, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Musicians parade in the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” pre-Carnival street party, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler strikes a pose during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” pre-Carnival street party, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers dance at the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers hold a banner that reads in Portuguese, “Life is worth it,” to pay tribute to Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres during the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers attend the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler dressed as a Pierrot sings during the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Carnival King Momo, Kaio Mackenzie, right, with Queen Thuane de Oliveira, hold up the keys of the city from Mayor Eduardo Paes, center, at a ceremony officially kicking off Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A dancer performs during the ceremony that officially kicks off Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Raquel Poti performs on stilts during the Carmelitas street party on the first official day of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers attend the Carmelitas street party on the first official day of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Reveler Fernando Coelho, dressed as a pope, takes part in the Carmelitas street party on the first official day of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Dancers from the Colorado do Bras samba school perform on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A reveler dressed as Oscar-nominated actress Fernanda Torres holds a cutout of an Instagram account of “The Academy” during a pre-Carnival lookalike event in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Transgender women Negriny Venture, left, and Leticia Mamede prepare Carnival costumes for the Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Transgender woman Negriny Venture, of the Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school, prepares to rehearse for the Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Transgender dancers with the Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school rehearse in heels for the Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Revelers cheer during the Mud Block carnival party in Paraty, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A dancer from the Colorado do Bras samba school performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Dancers from the Colorado do Bras samba school perform during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A dancer from the Colorado do Bras samba school performs on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A dancer from the Colorado do Bras samba school performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Dancers from the Colorado do Bras samba school perform during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Dancers from the Barroca Zona Sul samba school perform on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A dancer from the Barroca Zona Sul samba school performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A dog named Dinho wears a nun costume at the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A dog wears a hat at the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A dog named Julia, wearing a tiara and wings, attends the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A dog wears a carnival costume at the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Owners and their pets take part in the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


An owner and her pet named “Dinho” take part in the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Musicians greet each other with a kiss during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler dressed as Ganesha, a Hindu deity, center, watches the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A musician dances while performing during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler performs on stilts during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers attend the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers attend the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler dressed as a jaguar dances during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A musician dressed as a Pierrot attends the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler dances during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler rolls in the mud during the traditional Mud Block carnival party in Paraty, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A reveler holds a tiki torch shooting out red smoke during a Mud Block carnival party in Paraty, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Revelers share a kiss during the traditional Mud Block carnival party in Paraty, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Lucci Souza, right, performs during a street pre-Carnival block party in the Vila Mimosa red-light district in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Sex workers, and supporters paraded in the block party, demanding attention to their problems, such as better health, safety and visibility. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A performer, right, dances with a sex worker during a pre-Carnival block party in the Vila Mimosa red-light district in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Sex workers, and supporters paraded in the block party, demanding attention to their problems, such as better health, safety and visibility. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
RECEIVE OUR UPDATES
Latest news highlights, product updates, and invitations in your inbox
Rio Carnival
This is a collection of top photos from Rio de Janeiro chosen by AP photo editors.
Feb. – March, 2025


A performer, right, dances with a sex worker during a pre-Carnival block party in the Vila Mimosa red-light district in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Sex workers, and supporters paraded in the block party, demanding attention to their problems, such as better health, safety and visibility. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Lucci Souza, right, performs during a street pre-Carnival block party in the Vila Mimosa red-light district in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Sex workers, and supporters paraded in the block party, demanding attention to their problems, such as better health, safety and visibility. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers share a kiss during the traditional Mud Block carnival party in Paraty, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A reveler holds a tiki torch shooting out red smoke during a Mud Block carnival party in Paraty, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A reveler rolls in the mud during the traditional Mud Block carnival party in Paraty, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A reveler dances during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A musician dressed as a Pierrot attends the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler dressed as a jaguar dances during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers attend the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers attend the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler performs on stilts during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A musician dances while performing during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler dressed as Ganesha, a Hindu deity, center, watches the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Musicians greet each other with a kiss during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” Carnival street party in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


An owner and her pet named “Dinho” take part in the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Owners and their pets take part in the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A dog wears a carnival costume at the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A dog named Julia, wearing a tiara and wings, attends the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A dog wears a hat at the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A dog named Dinho wears a nun costume at the “Blocao” dog carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A dancer from the Barroca Zona Sul samba school performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Dancers from the Barroca Zona Sul samba school perform on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Dancers from the Colorado do Bras samba school perform during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A dancer from the Colorado do Bras samba school performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A dancer from the Colorado do Bras samba school performs on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Dancers from the Colorado do Bras samba school perform during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


A dancer from the Colorado do Bras samba school performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Revelers cheer during the Mud Block carnival party in Paraty, Brazil, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Transgender dancers with the Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school rehearse in heels for the Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Transgender woman Negriny Venture, of the Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school, prepares to rehearse for the Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Transgender women Negriny Venture, left, and Leticia Mamede prepare Carnival costumes for the Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A reveler dressed as Oscar-nominated actress Fernanda Torres holds a cutout of an Instagram account of “The Academy” during a pre-Carnival lookalike event in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Dancers from the Colorado do Bras samba school perform on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)


Reveler Fernando Coelho, dressed as a pope, takes part in the Carmelitas street party on the first official day of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers attend the Carmelitas street party on the first official day of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Raquel Poti performs on stilts during the Carmelitas street party on the first official day of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A dancer performs during the ceremony that officially kicks off Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Carnival King Momo, Kaio Mackenzie, right, with Queen Thuane de Oliveira, hold up the keys of the city from Mayor Eduardo Paes, center, at a ceremony officially kicking off Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


A reveler dressed as a Pierrot sings during the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers attend the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers hold a banner that reads in Portuguese, “Life is worth it,” to pay tribute to Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres during the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Revelers dance at the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler strikes a pose during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” pre-Carnival street party, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Musicians parade in the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” pre-Carnival street party, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Raquel Poti, center back, performs on stilts during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” pre-Carnival street party, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


A reveler dressed as a devil sticks out her tongue during the “Ceu na Terra” or “Heaven on Earth” pre-Carnival street party, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Celia Regina, left, dances with a sex worker during a pre-Carnival block party in the Vila Mimosa red-light district in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Sex workers, and supporters paraded in the block party, demanding attention to their problems, such as better health, safety and visibility. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)


Transgender woman Negriny Venture dances during a Paraiso de Tuiuti samba school rehearsal for Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)


Renata Carvalho sings during the “Cordao do Boitata” street pre-carnival party in Rio de Janeiro, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado)
Get in touch
To find out more about how our content and services can help your organization