Carnival season around the world

Revelers of Grande Rio samba school perform during the second night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 12, 2013. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

A dancer from Rio de Janeiro’s samba school Vila Isabel performs along the Sambadrome on the second day of the traditional city’s samba school parade on February 12, 2013. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

Revelers of Mangueira samba school perform during the second night of Carnival parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 11, 2013. (Christophe Simon/Getty Images)

Revelers of Beija Flor samba school perform during the second night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 11, 2013. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

A reveler of Academicos do Grande Rio samba school performs atop a float during the second night of Carnival parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 12, 2013. (Christophe Simon/Getty Images)

Revelers of Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school perform during the second night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 12, 2013. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

Revelers of Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school perform atop a float during the second night of Carnival parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 12, 2013. (Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images)

Revelers of Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school perform during the second night of Carnival parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 12, 2013. (Christophe Simon/Getty Images)

Revelers of Vila Isabel samba school performs during the second night of Carnival parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 12, 2013. (Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images)

A reveler sits in a decorated car prior to take part in the Carnival parade in the streets of Fort-de-France on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, on February 10, 2013. The Carnival started on February 9, 2013 and will run until Ash Wednesday on February 13, 2013 when Vaval, a giant papier-mache figure symbolizing the king of the carnival, is burned. (Jean-Michel Andre/Getty Images)

People throw talcum powder at one another as they take part in the carnival of “Los Indianos” (the Indians) in Santa Cruz de la Palma, on the Spanish Canary island of Las Palma on February 11, 2013. AFP PHOTO/ DESIREE MARTINDESIREE MARTIN/AFP/Getty Images ORG XMIT:

Revelers of Grande Rio samba school perform during the second night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 12, 2013. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

A reveler of Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school performs during the second night of Carnival parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 12, 2013. (Christophe Simon/Getty Images)

Japanese avant-garde fashion designer Junko Koshino performs with her designed costume for Barroca Zona Sul samba school during the last day of the carnival parades at the Sambadrome in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 12, 2013. Barroca this year is focusing its carnival theme on the history of Jabaquara, an ethnically diverse district that includes Jardim Oriental, a community that is home to many Japanese. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Getty Images)

The Gilles of Binche parade outside the city hall during the carnival event in Binche February 12, 2013. The Binche carnival, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage event, is the biggest and the liveliest annual event in Belgium. Up to 1,000 Gilles parade in the city centre of Binche, wearing a red, yellow and black medieval costume hung with bells and decorated with fluffy lace at the neck, wrists and ankles. (Francois Lenoir/Reuters)

A reveller from the Vila Isabel samba school participates in the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome February 12, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

Revellers from the Vila Isabel samba school participate in the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome February 12, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

Revellers from Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school participate during the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 12, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

Revellers from Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school participate during the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 12, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers from the Beija Flor samba school participate during the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 11, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers from the Mangueira samba school participate during the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 11, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

A reveller from the Mangueira samba school participates during the annual carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 11, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

A reveller from the Vila Isabel samba school participates in the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 12, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

A worker adjusts the head of a giant figure of German Chancellor Angela Merkel (R) near a figure of French President Francois Hollande (L) during preparations for the carnival parade in Nice February 12, 2013. The 129th Carnival of Nice will start on February 15 to March 6 and will celebrate the “King of the five continents” (Eric Gaillard /Reuters)

Carnival revellers dressed as “Peliqueiros” run through a street in Spain’s northwestern village of Laza February 12, 2013. “Peliqueiros”, or ancient tax collectors, pursued villagers through the streets ringing their cowbells and hitting villagers with their sticks. (Miguel Vidal/Reuters)

Revellers participate in a flour fight during the “O Entroido” festival in Spain’s northwestern village of Laza February 11, 2013. (Miguel Vidal/Reuters)

People throw talcum powder at one another as they take part in the carnival of “Los Indianos” (the Indians) in Santa Cruz de la Palma, on the Spanish Canary island of Las Palma on February 11, 2013. (Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

Carnival revellers dressed as clowns pedal on the clowns parade in Sesimbra village February 11, 2013. (Jose Manuel Ribeiro /Reuters)

Carnival revellers dressed as clowns sit at the village beach before the clowns parade in Sesimbra February 11, 2013. (Jose Manuel Ribeiro /Reuters)

A reveller poses for a photo during Jouvert celebrations, or “daybreak celebrations” in the capital city Port of Spain February 11, 2013. Revellers bathe themselves in chocolate, mud, oil and paint as they depict devils, demons, monsters and imps during the celebrations, which marks the start of the two-day Trinidad Carnival street parade. (Andrea De Silva/Reuters)

A reveller drinks during J’Ouvert celebrations, or “daybreak celebrations” in the capital city Port of Spain February 11, 2013. Revellers bathe themselves in chocolate, mud, oil and paint as they depict devils, demons, monsters and imps during the celebrations, which marks the start of the two-day Trinidad Carnival street parade.(Andrea De Silva/Reuters)

Revelers of the Inocentes de Belford-Roxo samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 10, 2013. Inocentes pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of South Korean immigration to Brazil. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

Revelers of the Inocentes de Belford-Roxo samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 10, 2013. Inocentes pays tribute to the 50th aniversary of South Korean immigration to Brazil. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

Children wait to take part in a samba parade during the carnival in Sesimbra village February 10, 2013. (Rafael Marchante/Reuters)

(From L) A float featuring Giant masks of political leaders Angelino Alfano, Luigi Bersani, Antonio Di Pietro, Beppe Grillo (devil), Silvio Berlusconi and Niki Vendola parades during the carnival in Viareggio on February 10, 2013. The carnival of Viareggio runs from February 3 to March 3, 2013 with parades of floats and masks, depicting caricatures of popular people, such as politicians, showmen and sportsmen. (Fabio Muzzi/Getty Images)

A traditional “Diablo Arlequin” (Harlequin Devil) dancer take part in the second day of carnival parade in Barranquilla, Colombia on February 10, 2013. Barranquilla’s Carnival, a tradition created by locals at the end of the 19th century as a response and to parody the celebration held by European immigrants and aristocracy, was declared a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO in 2003. (Luis Acosta/Getty Images)

Traditional “Congo” dancers take part in the second day of carnival parade in Barranquilla, Colombia on February 10, 2013. Barranquilla’s Carnival, a tradition created by locals at the end of the 19th century as a response and to parody the celebration held by European immigrants and aristocracy, was declared a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO in 2003. (Luis Acosta/Getty Images)

A man puts make-up on a child during the second day of carnival parade in Barranquilla, Colombia on February 10, 2013. Barranquilla’s Carnival, a tradition created by locals at the end of the 19th century as a response and to parody the celebration held by European immigrants and aristocracy, was declared a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO in 2003. (Luis Acosta/Getty Images)

Dancers take part in the second day of carnival parade in Barranquilla, Colombia on February 10, 2013. Barranquilla’s Carnival, a tradition created by locals at the end of the 19th century as a response and to parody the celebration held by European immigrants and aristocracy, was declared a “Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by the UNESCO in 2003.(Luis Acosta/Getty Images)

Revelers of Salgueiro samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 10, 2013. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

A costumed reveller poses during the carnival on February 10, 2013 in Venice. The 2013 edition of the Venice carnival is untitled ” Live in Colour” and runs from January 26 to February 12. (Getty Images)

Revellers of the Salgueiro samba school participate on the first night of the annual carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

A reveller dances on a float of the Inocentes de Belford Roxo samba school on the first night of the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

The hand of a reveller is seen as she dresses outside the Sambadrome for the first night of the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, February 10, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers of the Salgueiro samba school participate on the first night of the annual carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

A reveller performs during the “Grand Parade of Tradition” as part of Carnival celebrations in Barranquilla February 10, 2013. (Joaquin Sarmiento/Reuters)

A reveller takes part in the annual Carnival parade in Bonao February 10, 2013. (Ricardo Rojas/Reuters)

A Carnival reveller dressed as Avatar takes part in the traditional Rose Monday street carnival parade in Mainz February 11, 2013. The Rose Monday parades in Cologne, Mainz and Duesseldorf are the highlight of the German street carnival season. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

A carnival reveller dressed in a fancy costume takes part in the traditional Rose Monday street carnival parade in Mainz February 11, 2013. The Rose Monday parades in Cologne, Mainz and Duesseldorf are the highlight of the German street carnival season. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

A reveller attends the traditional Buso Carnival in Mohacs, southern Hungary February 10, 2013. At the Buso Carnival, which lasts for six days, locals bury the winter and party before the start of lent. According to legend the masks helped locals scare away the Turks in the 16th century. (Laszlo Balogh/Reuters)

Masked revellers take part in the annual Carnival parade in Bonao February 10, 2013. (Ricardo Rojas/Reuters)

A member of a rival team collects oranges in the middle of the square during an annual carnival battle in the northern Italian town of Ivrea February 10, 2013. Dressed up as Middle Age kings’ guards, a group of men ride in a horse-drawn carriage and pelt ‘foot soldiers’ with oranges as thousands of people gather to re-enact a Middle Age battle when the townsfolk of Ivrea overthrew an evil king. In a strange twist, instead of swords and cross bows, these days the weapons of choice are oranges. (Stefano Rellandini/Reuters)

A man with a helmet is hit by an orange during the traditional “battle of the oranges” held during the carnival in Ivrea, near Turin, on February 10, 2013. During the event which marks the people’s rebellion against tyrannical lords who ruled the town in the Middle Ages, revellers parading on floats represent guards of the tyrant, while those on foot the townsfolk. (Giuseppe Cacace/Getty Images)

Teams throw oranges at each other during the traditional “battle of the oranges” held during the carnival in Ivrea, near Turin, on February 10, 2013. During the event which marks the people’s rebellion against tyrannical lords who ruled the town in the Middle Ages, revellers parading on floats represent guards of the tyrant, while those on foot the townsfolk. (Giuseppe Cacace/Getty Images)

Fools dressed as straw dolls celebrate in the streets of Erfurt, eastern Germany, on February 10, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of people, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Carnival . (Michael Reichel/Getty Images)

A float featuring Giant masks of political leaders Giorgio Napolitano and Mario Monti parades during the carnival in Viareggio on February 10, 2013. The carnival of Viareggio runs from February 3 to March 3, 2013 with parades of floats and masks, depicting caricatures of popular people, such as politicians, showmen and sportsmen. (Fabio Muzzi/Getty Images)

Revelers of Portela samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Antonia Scorza/Getty Images)

Revellers of the Salgueiro samba school participate on the first night of the annual carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

A boy dressed in sheep skin stands between his mother and father as they observe festivities during the annual carnival, held to mark the end of winter, in Litija January 7, 2013. During the carnival, people dress up as the “Kurent”, a fluffy but demon-like creature that banishes the winter and heralds the arrival of spring with loud noise and dancing. (Srdjan Zivulovic/Reuters)

A man dressed in costume holds a pitchfork during the annual carnival, held to mark the end of winter, in Litija January 7, 2013. During the carnival, people dress up as the “Kurent”, a fluffy but demon-like creature that banishes the winter and heralds the arrival of spring with loud noise and dancing. (Srdjan Zivulovic/Reuters)

Revellers of Portela samba school participate in the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 11, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers of the Salgueiro samba school participate on the first night of the annual carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

A reveller participates in the traditional carnival group known as “Maracatu Cambinda Brasileira”, in the town of Engenho Cumba in Pernambuco State, February 10, 2013. (Alexandre Severo/Reuters)

Revellers of the Salgueiro samba school participate on the first night of the annual carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

A reveller of the Salgueiro samba school participates on the first night of the annual carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Drum Queen Juliana Alves of the Unidos da Tijuca samba school dances on the first night of the annual carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

Revellers of the Unidos da Tijuca samba school participate in the annual carnival parade at Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

A reveller of the Unidos da Tijuca samba school participates in the annual carnival parade at Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

Revellers of the Unidos da Tijuca samba school participate in the annual carnival parade at Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 10, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers of the uniao da ilha Uniao da Ilha samba school participate on the first night of the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 11, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers of the Uniao da Ilha samba school participate on the first night of the annual carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 11, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

Revellers of Mocidade Independente samba school participate on the first night of the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 11, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

Revellers of Mocidade Independente samba school participate in the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 11, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers of Mocidade Independente samba school participate in the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome, February 11, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

Revellers of Portela samba school participate in the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome February 11, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

A costumed reveller is reflected as water rises on St Mark’s square during the carnival on February 8, 2013 in Venice. The 2013 edition of the Venice carnival is untitled ” Live in Colour” and runs from January 26 to February 12. (Francois Xavier Marit/Getty Images)

People celebrate in the streets of Duesseldorf during the traditional Rose Monday parade on February 11, 2013. Carnival goers mainly in the Rhine region traditionally celebrate the highlight procession on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). The season ends with Ash Wednesday on February 13, 2013. (Patrik Stollarz/Getty Images)

A carnival reveler wears fancy dress and blue face-paint during the Springerzug carnival parade on the annual Rose Monday (Rosenmontag) in Herbstein, Germany. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

A man celebrates in the streets of Duesseldorf during the traditional Rose Monday parade on February 11, 2013. Carnival goers mainly in the Rhine region traditionally celebrate the highlight procession on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). The season ends with Ash Wednesday on February 13, 2013. (Patrik Stollarz/Getty Images)

People pass carnival floats in the streets of Duesseldorf during the traditional Rose Monday parade on February 11, 2013. (Patrik Stollarz/Getty Images)

A theme float about the resignation of the German Education Secretary Annette Schavan is on its way at the Rose Monday parade in Duesseldorf, Germany, on February 2013. (Martin Gerten/Getty Images)

A reveler of Portela samba school performs during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 11, 2013. (Cristophe Simon/Getty Images)

A reveler of Uniao da Ilhia samba school performs during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 11, 2013. (Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images)

A man wearing a costume attends a carnival on the Koenigsallee boulevard in Duesseldorf, on February 2013. (Rolf Vennenbernd/Getty Images )

A reveler of Unidos da Tijuca samba school performs atop a float during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 11, 2013. (Cristophe Simon/Getty Images)

The carnival figure “Bajazz” (C) leads the Herbsteiner Springerzug on February 11, 2013 in Herbstein, Germany. The Springerzug, literally “jumping parade”, is an interpretation of carnival tradition particular to Herbstein. Niklas (l.) attend the Springerzug. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

Carnival revelers wear elderly face-masks as they participate in the annual Rose Monday at the Herbsteiner Springerzug on February 11, 2013 in Herbstein, Germany. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

The carnival figure “Bajazz” (R) leads the Herbsteiner Springerzug on February 11, 2013 in Herbstein, Germany. The Springerzug, literally “jumping parade”, is an interpretation of carnival tradition particular to Herbstein. Niklas (l.) attend the Springerzug. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

Indigenous members of the Orinoca community dance a “mexenada” during the first day of the Andean Carnival in Oruro, Bolivia, on february 7, 2013. (Aizar Raldes/Getty Images)

A reveler of Academico do Salgueiro samba school performs during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 10, 2013. (Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images)

Revelers of Academico do Salgueiro samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 10, 2013. (Cristophe Simon/Getty Images)

A reveler of the Academico do Salgueiro samba school performs during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 10, 2013. (Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images)

US actress Megan Fox (L) looks at Unidos da Tijuca samba school during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 11, 2013. (Cristophe Simon/Getty Images)

The Springerzug, literally “jumping parade”, is an interpretation of carnival tradition particular to Herbstein. Niklas (l.) attend the Springerzug. Rose Monday is the highpoint of the annual carnival in the region between Mainz, Cologne and Dusseldorf, where carnival has been an annual tradition since 1823 and celebrates free-spirited merrymaking before the beginning of Lent. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

A reveler of Unidos da Tijuca samba school performs during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro on February 11, 2013. (Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images)

Revelers of Unidos da Tijuca samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Antonia Scorza/Getty Images)

A reveller is seen during the second day of the annual Carnival parade in Panama City February 10, 2013. (Carlos Jasso/Reuters)

“Mini Queen of Martinique” poses during the Carnival parade in the streets of Fort-de-France on the French Caribbean island of Martinique. The Carnaval started on February 9, 2013 and will run until Ash Wednesday on February 13, 2013 when Vaval, a giant papier-mache figure symbolizing the king of the carnival, is burned. (Jean-Michel Andre/Getty Images)

A carnival reveller celebrates at the traditional Rose Monday carnival parade in the western German city of Duesseldorf. The Rose Monday parades in Cologne, Mainz and Duesseldorf are the highlight of the German street carnival season. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

Revelers of the Inocentes de Belford-Roxo samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Antonia Scorza/Getty Images)

Revelers of Mocidade Independente samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Antonia Scorza/Getty Images)

A reveler of Unidos da Tijuca samba school performs during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Antonia Scorza/Getty Images)

A reveler plays the trumpet during the Carnival parade in the streets of Fort-de-France on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, on February 10, 2013. The Carnaval started on February 9, 2013 and will run until Ash Wednesday on February 13, 2013 when Vaval, a giant papier-mache figure symbolizing the king of the carnival, is burned. (Jean-Michel Andre/Getty Images)

Revelers pose during the Carnival parade in the streets of Fort-de-France on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, on February 10, 2013. The Carnaval started on February 9, 2013 and will run until Ash Wednesday on February 13, 2013 when Vaval, a giant papier-mache figure symbolizing the king of the carnival, is burned. (Jean-Michel Andre/Getty Images)

Carnival enthusiasts dance in the streets of Elzach in a costume of the so-called ‘Schuttig’ during the traditional torch parade on January 12, 2013 in Elzach, Germany. The Elzach procession launches the carnival season in southwestern Germany which culminates on Rose Monday. Dating from 1530 the carnival marks a festive period where the bad spirits are expelled prior to the Lenting season. (Harold Cunningham/Getty Images)

A craftsman gives the final touches to a float for the”White Day” parade, part of the Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Pasto, Colombia, on January, 4, 2013. The Carnival of Blacks and Whites was declared by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”, and is celebrated every year on the eve of the “Three Kings Day”. (Luis Robayo/Getty Images)

A reveler takes part in the Devil’s Carnival in Riosucio, Caldas department, Colombia, on January 6, 2013. Riosucio’s Carnival was proclaimed by UNESCO as a cultural intangible heritage and takes place every two years. (Fredy Amariles/Getty Images)

People look at a float during the “White Day” parade, part of the Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Pasto, Colombia, on January, 6, 2013. The Carnival of Blacks and Whites was declared by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”, and is celebrated every year on the eve of the “Three Kings Day”. (Luis Robayo/Getty Images)

Revelers take part in the “White Day” parade, during the Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Pasto, Colombia, on January, 6, 2013. The Carnival of Blacks and Whites was declared by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”, and is celebrated every year on the eve of the “Three Kings Day”. (Luis Robayo/Getty Images)

A reveler takes part in the “White Day” parade, during the Carnival of Blacks and Whites in Pasto, Colombia, on January, 6, 2013. The Carnival of Blacks and Whites was declared by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”, and is celebrated every year on the eve of the “Three Kings Day”. (Luis Robayo/Getty Images)

An employee works on a mask of the president of the Brazilian Supreme Court Joaquim Barbosa, at the carnival masks factory Condal, in Sao Goncalo, about 35 km from downtown Rio de Janeiro, on January 9, 2013. Rio’s world famous carnival takes place February 9-12. (Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images)

Disguised revelers take part in a carnival procession through south-western Macedonia’s village of Vevchani, on January 13, 2013. The Vevchani carnival is 1.400 years old and is held every year on the eve of the feast of Saint Basil ( January 14), which also marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Julian calendar, observed by the Macedonian Orthodox Church. (Robery Atanasovski/Getty Images)

Bulgarian dancers named “Kukeri” hold torches as they perform a ritual dance during the Kukeri Carnival in the village of Batanovci, western Bulgaria, on January 13, 2013. The Kukeri Carnival is a festival of brightly colored masks and costumes which marks the beginning of the spring. Every participant makes his own multi-colored personal mask, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels. The heavy swaying of the main mummer is meant to represent wheat heavy with grain, and the bells tied around the waist are intended to drive away the evil spirits and the sickness. (Dimitar Dilkoff/Getty Images)

The new first Princess of Sao Paulo’s Carnival, Kimberlyn Muriel Adabe Santos, dances during the competition for new King, Queen and Princess of the Carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, late on January 17, 2013. Sao Paulo’s carnival is scheduled for February 8 and 9. (Yasuyoshi Chiba/Getty Images)

Dancers participate in a carnival 2013 parade in Encarnacion, 375 km south of Asuncion on January 18, 2013. (Getty Images)

A witch of the Bad Saulgau fool guild hugs a spectator as fools parade through the streets of Bad Saulgau, southern Germany, during the “Landschaftstreffen Oberschwaben/Allgaeu” carnival meeting on January 27, 2013. More than 7,000 masked fools from 31 groups took part in the event. (Felix Kaestle/Getty Images)

“Joaldunak” (“those who play the bell”) get ready to carry big cowbells tied to their back during the ancient carnival of Zubieta, in the northern Spanish province of Navarra province, on January 29, 2013. (Rafa Rivas/Getty Images)

A masked man holds a fox during the carnival of Zubieta, in the northern Spanish province of Navarra province, on January 29, 2013. (Rafa Rivas/Getty Images)

A dancer performs during the first day of the “Llamadas”, one of the carnival parades taking place in Montevideo, on January 31, 2013. The “Llamadas” is Uruguay’s biggest carnival parade during which the “comparsas” -traditional “candombe” music groups of dancers and drummers- compete during two days. (Miguel Rojo/Getty Images)

A boy attends the opening ceremony of the International Festival of the Masquerade Games in Pernik near the capital Sofia, on February 1, 2013. The three-day festival, which started on January 28, has participants sporting multi-colored masks, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels whlie the main dancer, ladened with bells to drive away sickness and evil spirits, sways like a wheat spikelet heavy with grain. (Dimitar Dilkoff/Getty Images)

Dancers from Macedonia get ready prior to perform during the International Festival of the Masquerade Games in Pernik near the capital Sofia, on February 2, 2013. The three-day festival, which started on January 28, has participants sporting multi-colored masks, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels whlie the main dancer, ladened with bells to drive away sickness and evil spirits, sways like a wheat spikelet heavy with grain. (Dimitar Dilkoff/Getty Images)

A costumed reveller poses at St Mark’s square during the carnival on February 2, 2013 in Venice. The 2013 edition of the Venice carnival is untitled ” Live in Colour” and runs from January 26 to February 12. (Vincenzo Pinto/Getty Images)

Members of the Inocentes de Belford Roxo samba school work on a float at Samba City, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 02, 2013, during the preparations for the Samba Schools parade. Rio’s famous carnival Sambodrome parade will take place next February 10 and 11. (Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images)

A member of the Inocentes de Belford Roxo samba school works on a float at Samba City, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 02, 2013, during the preparations for the Samba Schools parade. Rio’s famous carnival Sambodrome parade will take place next February 10 and 11. (Vanderlei Almeida/Getty Images)

Slovenia’s dancers attend the International Festival of the Masquerade Games in Pernik near the capital Sofia, on February 2, 2013. The three-day festival, which started on January 28, has participants sporting multi-colored masks, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels whlie the main dancer, ladened with bells to drive away sickness and evil spirits, sways like a wheat spikelet heavy with grain. (Dimitar Dilkoff/Getty Images)

Bulgarian dancers known as “Kukeri” perform a ritual dance during the International Festival of the Masquerade Games in Pernik near the capital Sofia, on February 3, 2013. The three-day festival, which started on February 1, has participants sporting multi-colored masks, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels whlie the main dancer, ladened with bells to drive away sickness and evil spirits, sways like a wheat spikelet heavy with grain. (Nikolay Doychinov/Getty Images)

Bulgarian dancers known as “Kukeri” perform a ritual dance during the International Festival of the Masquerade Games in Pernik near the capital Sofia, on February 3, 2013. The three-day festival, which started on February 1, has participants sporting multi-colored masks, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels while the main dancer, ladened with bells to drive away sickness and evil spirits, sways like a wheat spikelet heavy with grain. (Nikolay Doychinov/Getty Images)

Bulgarian dancers known as “Kukeri” wait for their performance during the International Festival of the Masquerade Games in Pernik near the capital Sofia, on February 3, 2013. The three-day festival, which started on February 1, has participants sporting multi-colored masks, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels while the main dancer, ladened with bells to drive away sickness and evil spirits, sways like a wheat spikelet heavy with grain. (Nikolay Doychinov/Getty Images)

Bulgarian dancer dressed as “Kukeri” performs a ritual dance during the International Festival of the Masquerade Games in Pernik near the capital Sofia, on February 3, 2013. The three-day festival, which started on February 1, has participants sporting multi-colored masks, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels while the main dancer, ladened with bells to drive away sickness and evil spirits, sways like a wheat spikelet heavy with grain. (Nikolay Doychinov/Getty Images)

A costumed reveller poses at St Mark’s square during the carnival on February 3, 2013 in Venice. The 2013 edition of the Venice carnival is untitled ” Live in Colour” and runs from January 26 to February 12. (Vincenzo Pinto/Getty Images)

A rooster wearing carnival costume walks during the animals’ carnival, in Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on February 03, 2013. (Chrisophe Simon/Getty Images)

A man wearing a dog-face mask takes part in the animals carnival, in Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on February 03, 2013. (Chrisophe Simon/Getty Images)

A dog wearing carnival costume takes part in the animals carnival, in Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on February 03, 2013. (Chrisophe Simon/Getty Images)

A member of Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school paints an indigenous dummy face atop a float during preparations for the famous carnival parade at the Sambodromo, on February 4, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. The samba schools parade will be held next February 10 and 11. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

A member of Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school paints a yaguarete effigy during preparations for the famous carnival parade at the Sambodromo, on February 4, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro. The samba schools parade will be held next February 10 and 11. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

A Portela samba school member works on a float on February 6, 2013, during preparations ahead of the traditional Rio de Janeiro samba school parade next February 10 and 11. (Antonio Scorza/Getty Images)

A fool celebrates the beginning of the street carnival in Cologne, western Germany on February 7, 2013, as the hot carnival season was launched. Hundreds of thousands of Germans, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Women’s Carnival Day. (Rolf Vennenbernd/Reuters)

A woman dressed as a smurf celebrates the beginning of the street carnival in Cologne, western Germany on February 7, 2013, as the hot carnival season was launched. Hundreds of thousands of Germans, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Women’s Carnival Day. (Rolf Vennenbernd/Reuters)

A group of the Constance fool’s guild “Blätzlebueben” is pictured with lanterns in Constance, southern Germany, on February 7 , 2013. Since the early morning, hundreds of dressed up people walk through the city to wake the population. (Felix Kaestle/Getty Images)

A fool celebrates the beginning of the street carnival in Cologne, western Germany on February 7, 2013, as the hot carnival season was launched. Hundreds of thousands of Germans, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Women’s Carnival Day. (Rolf Vennenbernd/Reuters)

A group of the Constance fool’s guild “Blätzlebueben” with lanterns and torches is pictured in Constance, southern Germany, on February 7 , 2013. Since the early morning, hundreds of dressed up people walk through the city to wake the population. (Felix Kaestle/Getty Images)

Fools celebrate the beginning of the street carnival in Cologne, western Germany on February 7, 2013, as the hot carnival season was launched. Hundreds of thousands of Germans, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Women’s Carnival Day. (Rolf Vennenbernd/Reuters)

A nominee for Queen of the 2013 Santa Cruz carnival performs in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife on February 6, 2013. (Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

A nominee for queen of the 2013 Santa Cruz carnival performs in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife on February 6, 2013. (Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

Queen of the 2013 Santa Cruz carnival Soraya Rodriguez performs in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife on February 6, 2013. (Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

Dancers perform during the election of the Queen of the 2013 Santa Cruz carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife on February 6, 2013. (Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

A nominee for queen of the 2013 Santa Cruz carnival performs in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife on February 6, 2013. (Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

A nominee for Queen of the 2013 Santa Cruz carnival performs in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife on February 6, 2013. (Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

A nominee for queen of the 2013 Santa Cruz carnival performs in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife on February 6, 2013. (Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

Queen of the 2013 Santa Cruz carnival Soraya Rodriguez performs in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife on February 6, 2013. (Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

Queen of the 2013 Santa Cruz carnival Soraya Rodriguez performs in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the Spanish Canary island of Tenerife on February 6, 2013. A(Desiree Martin/Getty Images)

Fools celebrate the beginning of the street carnival in Duesseldorf, western Germany on February 7, 2013, as the hot carnival season was launched. Hundreds of thousands of Germans, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Women’s Carnival Day. (Henning Kaiser/Getty Images)

A fool is pictured during the street carnival in Mainz, western Germany on February 7, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of Germans, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Women’s Carnival Day. (Fredrik Von Erichsen/Getty Images)

A woman dressed as clown celebrates “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival) in Cologne February 7, 2013. Women’s Carnival marks the start of a week of street festivals, the highlight of the event being “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the final day of the carnival where mass processions are held. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

A papier-mache figure shows an American school with security checkpoint, on a float for the Rose Monday carnival procession during a preview in Cologne February 5, 2013. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

A participant takes part in a masquerade parade at the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society’s Children Carnival at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain February 2, 2013. (Andrea de Silva/Reuters)

Fools celebrate the beginning of the street carnival in Duesseldorf, western Germany on February 7, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of Germans, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Women’s Carnival Day. (Henning Kaiser/Getty Images)

A couple in costume celebrates “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival) in Cologne February 7, 2013. Women’s Carnival marks the start of a week of street festivals, the highlight of the event being “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the final day of the carnival where mass processions are held. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

Members of a carnival organization look at a papier-mache figure of German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the Rose Monday carnival procession during a preview in Cologne February 5, 2013. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

Participants from the “Lost in Paradise” group take part in a masquerade parade at the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society’s Children Carnival at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain February 2, 2013. (Andrea de Silva/Reuters)

Fools celebrate the beginning of the street carnival in Duesseldorf, western Germany on February 7, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of Germans, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Women’s Carnival Day. (Henning Kaiser/Getty Images)

A woman in costume celebrates “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival) in Cologne February 7, 2013. Women’s Carnival marks the start of a week of street festivals, the highlight of the event being “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the final day of the carnival where mass processions are held. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

Papier mache figures depicting Brandenburg’s state governor Matthias Platzeck (L )and Berlin’s mayor Klaus Wowereit as old men opening the Berlin Brandenburg Willy-Brandt-airport are seen on a carnival parade float in Mainz, February 5, 2013. Germany’s street carnival will reach its climax on Rosemonday, February 11. (Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters)

A member of a comparsa, an Uruguayan carnival group, dances during the Llamadas parade in Montevideo, January 31, 2013. Thousands of people crowd the capital’s traditionally black neighborhood as costumed drummers and dancers kick off a street fiesta known as “llamadas” — Spanish for “calls.” The parade originated from the colonial period and started as a parade of slaves on the streets of the city. (Andres Stapff/Reuters)

A fool is pictured during the street carnival in Duesseldorf, western Germany on February 7, 2013. Hundreds of thousands of Germans, mainly in the western Rhine region, crowd the streets to celebrate Women’s Carnival Day. (Roland Weihrauch/Getty Images)

A woman poses with a reveler dressed as Darth Vader on “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival) in Cologne February 7, 2013. Women’s Carnival marks the start of a week of street festivals, the highlight of the event being “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the final day of the carnival where mass processions are held. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

Women dressed in costumes for “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival) celebrate in front of Cologne’s Cathedral February 7, 2013. Women’s Carnival marks the start of a week of street festivals, the highlight of the event being “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the final day of the carnival where mass processions are held. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

Members of a comparsa, an Uruguayan carnival group, dance during the Llamadas parade in Montevideo, January 31, 2013. Thousands of people crowd the capital’s traditionally black neighborhood as costumed drummers and dancers kick off a street fiesta known as “llamadas” — Spanish for “calls.” The parade originated from the colonial period and started as a parade of slaves on the streets of the city. (Andres Stapff/Reuters)

A masked reveller takes part in the annual Carnival parade in La Vega February 3, 2013. (Ricardo Rojas/Reuters)

A man in a pig costume uses a pay phone during “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival) in Cologne February 7, 2013. Women’s Carnival marks the start of a week of street festivals, the highlight of the event being “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the final day of the carnival where mass processions are held. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

Two masked revelers pose in Saint Mark’s Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 3, 2013. (Manuel Silvestri/Reuters)

A dog in The Krewe of Barkus parade is pushed around the French Quarter during the Mardi Gras 2013 celebration in New Orleans, January 27, 2013. (Jeff Haynes/Reuters)

Thousands of Bolivian musicians participate in a music festival in Oruro, about 200 km (124 miles) south of La Paz, February 2, 2013. Trumpet music and beating drums reverberated through the streets of the Bolivian city of Oruro to kick off pre-Carnival festivities. (David Mercado/Reuters)

Men dressed in giraffe costumes eat sausages during “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival) in Cologne February 7, 2013. Women’s Carnival marks the start of a week of street festivals, the highlight of the event being “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the final day of the carnival where mass processions are held. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark’s Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 3, 2013. (Manuel Silvestri/Reuters)

Members from the crew of the Sparta parade wave to the crowd during the Mardi Gras 2013 celebration in New Orleans, January 26, 2013. (Jeff Haynes/Reuters)

Revellers dance during the annual block party known as the “Suvaco do Cristo” (Armpit of Christ), one of the many pre-carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark’s Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 3, 2013. (Manuel Silvestri/Reuters)

Joe Sanchez, a member from the crew of the Sparta parade waits for the start during the Mardi Gras 2013 celebration in New Orleans, January 26, 2013. (Jeff Haynes/Reuters)

A reveler dances during the annual block party known as the “Gigantes da Lira”, one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

A woman dressed in traditional costume looks on during the Venetian Carnival in Saint Mark’s square in Venice February 3, 2013. (Manuel Silvestri/Reuters)

Members of the crew from the Sparta parade throw beads to the crowd during the Mardi Gras 2013 celebration in New Orleans, January 26, 2013. (Jeff Haynes/Reuters)

Revellers perform during the annual block party known as the “Gigantes da Lira”, one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

A couple dressed in traditional costumes sits in a gondola boat during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 3, 2013. (Manuel Silvestri/Reuters)

A dog owner walks her dog to The Krewe of Barkus parade in the French Quarter during the Mardi Gras 2013 celebration in New Orleans, January 27, 2013. (Jeff Haynes/Reuters)

A reveller performs during the annual block party known as the “Gigantes da Lira”, one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

A woman dressed in traditional costume looks on during the Venetian Carnival in Saint Mark’s square in Venice February 3, 2013. (Manuel Silvestri/Reuters)

A reveler poses during the Carnival parade in the streets of Fort-de-France on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, on February 10, 2013. The Carnaval started on February 9, 2013 and will run until Ash Wednesday on February 13, 2013 when Vaval, a giant papier-mache figure symbolizing the king of the carnival, is burned. (Jean-Michel Andre/Getty Images)

Revellers dance during the annual block party known as the “Gigantes da Lira”, one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

Women dressed in traditional costumes pose during the Venetian Carnival in Saint Mark’s square in Venice February 3, 2013. (Manuel Silvestri/Reuters)

A reveller dressed as “Iron Man” and a child dressed as “Superman” take part in the “Desliga da Justica” carnival parade during pre-carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro January 26, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

Revelers of Mocidade Independente samba school perform during the first night of Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Antonia Scorza/Getty Images)

A reveller dressed as the “Joker” takes part in the “Desliga da Justica” carnival parade during pre-carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro January 26, 2013. (Sergio Moraes/Reuters)

An artist from the French performance group called Ilotopie performs in an aquatic show “MetaMorPhosiS Aquaticae” on the Cannaregio Canal during a parade as part of the opening ceremony of the Venice carnival January 26, 2013. (Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters)

Revellers dance during the annual block party known as the “Suvaco do Cristo” (Armpit of Christ), one of the many pre-carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Ricardo Moraes/Reuters)

An artist from the French performance group called Ilotopie performs in an aquatic show “MetaMorPhosiS Aquaticae” on the Cannaregio Canal during a parade as part of the opening ceremony of the Venice carnival January 26, 2013. (Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters)

A dog takes part in the “Blocao”, or dog carnival parade, during pre-carnival festivities along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

A masked reveller poses in Saint Mark’s Square during the Venetian Carnival in Venice February 3, 2013. (Manuel Silvestri/Reuters)

Revellers wearing devil costumes perform during an annual block party known as “Escravos da Maua”, one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers parade the streets during a carnival in the village of Vevcani, some 170 km (106 miles) from the Macedonian capital Skopje, January 14, 2013. Vevcani village marks the Orthodox St. Vasilij Day annually with a carnival that features a 1,400-year-old celebration with pagan roots. The highlights of the carnival include a political satire where masked villagers act out current events. (Ognen Teofilovski/Reuters)

Water is sprinkled on revellers to help them cool off during an annual block party known as “Escravos da Maua”, one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

A reveller applies a mask before parading the streets during a carnival in the village of Vevcani, some 170 km (106 miles) from the Macedonian capital Skopje, January 13, 2013. Vevcani village marks the Orthodox St. Vasilij Day annually with a carnival that features a 1,400-year-old celebration with pagan roots. The highlights of the carnival include a political satire where masked villagers act out current events. (Ognen Teofilovski/Reuters)

Revellers dance during an annual block party known as “Ceu na Terra” (or Sky on Earth), one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 2, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers parade the streets during a carnival in the village of Vevcani, some 170 km (106 miles) from the Macedonian capital Skopje, January 14, 2013. Vevcani village marks the Orthodox St. Vasilij Day annually with a carnival that features a 1,400-year-old celebration with pagan roots. The highlights of the carnival include a political satire where masked villagers act out current events. (Ognen Teofilovski/Reuters)

Water is sprinkled on revellers to help them cool off during an annual block party known as “Ceu na Terra” (or Sky on Earth), one of the many carnival parties to take place in the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro February 2, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

Revellers pose while parading the streets during a carnival in the village of Vevcani, some 170 km (106 miles) from the Macedonian capital Skopje, January 13, 2013. Vevcani village marks the Orthodox St. Vasilij Day annually with a carnival that features a 1,400-year-old celebration with pagan roots. The highlights of the carnival include a political satire where masked villagers act out current events. (Ognen Teofilovski/Reuters)

A reveller participates in the annual block party known as the “Banda de Ipanema”, during pre-carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro, January 26, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

A demonstrator who is dressed up for the carnival shouts slogans during a protest against political corruption at La Constitucion Square in Malaga, southern Spain, February 2, 2013. (Jon Nazca/Reuters)

A couple kiss each other at the “Blocao” dog carnival parade during pre-carnival festivities along Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro February 3, 2013. (Pilar Olivares/Reuters)

A reveller wearing a demonic mask lifts a fox in the air as he takes part in carnival celebrations in Zubieta January 29, 2013. Every year, villagers from Ituren parade to the neighboring town of Zubieta to join this traditional carnival, which is considered a festival to welcome the spring after a tough winter in the deep valleys of the northern Navarra region. (Susana Vera/Reuters)

A masked reveller takes part in the annual Carnival parade in La Vega February 3, 2013. (Ricardo Rojas/Reuters)

A woman holding eggs in her hand watches as “Joaldunak” carnival revellers parade in Ituren during a traditional carnival celebration in the northern Spanish region of Navarra January 29, 2013. According to mythical Basque stories, the noise made by the big bells carried by the “Joaldunak” ward off evil spirits and give prosperity for a year to the people living in nearby towns. Every year, villagers from Ituren parade to the neighboring town of Zubieta to join this traditional carnival, which is considered a festival to welcome the spring after a tough winter in the deep valleys of the northern Navarra region. (Susana Vera/Reuters)

Masked revellers take part in the annual Carnival parade in La Vega February 3, 2013. (Ricardo Rojas/Reuters)

Participants from the “All Ah We is One Family” group take part in a masquerade parade at the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society’s Children Carnival at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain February 2, 2013. (Andrea de Silva/Reuters)

A reveller takes part in the annual Carnival parade in La Vega February 3, 2013. (Ricardo Rojas/Reuters)

A participant poses for a photo as she takes part in a masquerade parade at the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society’s Children Carnival at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain February 2, 2013. (Andrea de Silva/Reuters)

A masked reveller takes part in the annual Carnival parade in La Vega February 3, 2013. (Ricardo Rojas/Reuters)

A participant takes part in a masquerade parade at the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society’s Children Carnival at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain February 2, 2013. (Andrea de Silva/Reuters)

Women dressed as Smurfs celebrate “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival) in Cologne February 7, 2013. Women’s Carnival marks the start of a week of street festivals, the highlight of the event being “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the final day of the carnival where mass processions are held.(Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

A participant takes part in a masquerade parade at the Trinidad and Tobago Red Cross Society’s Children Carnival at Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain February 2, 2013. (Andrea de Silva/Reuters)

A man dressed as pirate poses during “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival) in Cologne February 7, 2013. Women’s Carnival marks the start of a week of street festivals, the highlight of the event being “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), the final day of the carnival where mass processions are held. (Ina Fassbender/Reuters)

Carnival season around the world

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