The Greatest Street Party on Earth: The Brazilian Carnival · Global Voices
Paula Góes

A week ago today, Brazilians were waking up to enjoy the country's most celebrated annual festival: the Carnival, or rather, the  biggest extravaganza on Earth that draws millions of people onto the streets of the many cities all over the country. It is one of many European imports that having mixed Native, African and European elements, have found their own flavor, colours and fame  in Brazil.
Nevermind the worldwide economic crisis, or Brazil's own everyday crises – it is carnival as usual. The numbers for domestic and international tourism were above expectations and higher than last year's, following the trend for yearly growth. It was expected that 719,000 international tourists would visit Rio de Janeiro alone (last year, there were 705,000). And with the dollar on a high, many of the Brazilians who would normally spend their holidays abroad decided to have a carnival at home, traveling within the country.
During Carnival, people dress up, indulge themselves or just take the always welcomed opportunity of time off to recharge batteries. The country grinds to a halt during the celebration, and many say the new year only begins after carnival. It is impossible not to laugh at people's creativity when it comes to making costumes with a pinch of irreverence, sense of humour and an eye for local and international current affairs. Here are some of the best photos licensed under Creative Commons posted on Flickr.
“First” day, Saturday, 21st
Not enough room to swing an umbrella! In Recife, Carnival starts officially with Galo da Madrugada, Brazil's biggest carnival “bloco”, figuring in the The Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest carnival parade in the world. Photo by Felipe Ferreira (FF).
The condom man in Recife, photo by carlosoliveirareis. During Carnival, authorities give out millions of condoms, but still, a baby boom is always expected nine months after.
Another very elaborated costume: an ironing lady in the streets of Recife, in photo by carlosoliveirareis.
Revelers at São Paulo's Sambodromo. Photo by André Cherri.
Forgiveness Sunday, 22nd
Rodrigo Soldon has a shot at the Mona Lisa, enjoying herself at Rio Canival.
Cordão do Boitatá, Rio de Janeiro. Photo by by Luciano Joaquim
For those who can not spend much time away from social network sites, here is the Orkut costume. Rio de Janeiro. Photo by URBefotos.
Fidel Castro also visited Olinda for Carnival.  Photo by Ádria de Souza/Pref.Olinda. Among other politicians, Barack Obama was also spotted in many parts of the country, but unfortunately, the lucky papparrazzi did not upload their pictures under a Creative Commons license.
Clean Monday, 23rd
The Iraqi journalist, Bush and the flying shoe enjoyed themselves in Olinda. You know the background. Photo by Ádria de Souza/Pref.Olinda
A kiss from actress Paola Oliveira, the drum queen of Grande Rio Samba School, one among 30 schools to compete in the Samba School Parade. Photo by dubiella.
The winning school in Rio de Janeiro was Salgueiro. Photo by  ane aguirre.
Shrove Tuesday, 24th
Venice? No, Olinda!  Photo by Ádria de Souza/Pref.Olinda
Jumping non stop in São Paulo. Photo by Cristiano Caniche.
No pancake day in Brazil, the last day of Carnival is melancholy – early hours, Rio de Janeiro.  Photo by Ana Pinta, to which a flickr user commented: “pretty much like Rio de Janeiro scenery”.
Ash Wednesday, 25th
A wishful thinker in Olinda counts down to next year's party holding a sign that says “Calm down, there are only 353 days left”. Photo by Ádria de Souza/Pref.Olinda
This year's carnival has now officially come to an end, and although the celebration usually goes on for another unofficial week of Carnival “hangover” parties, 2009 may now begin.