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When asked why around 100 dogs had been dressed to the ears in elaborate, colourful clothing and encouraged to "dance" along the Copacabana, one enthusiastic owner cheered: "Dogs love Carnival, too!"

It may have been one of the more bizarre street parties in the build-up to Brazil's biggest celebration of the year, but Rio de Janeiro's dog-owners (and one or two brave cat-owners) put on an extraordinary show on the city's streets yesterday.

Known locally as the Blocao - a play on the words "bloco", meaning street party, and "cao", meaning dog - the Rio Dog Carnival provided owners and pets alike with the chance to let their hair down.

"The animal excitement is taking over Copacabana," said Blocao organiser Marco Antonio Toto. "The neighbourhood of Copacabana has currently the most dog owners per square metre. It deserves this prestigious party. Our animals deserve this celebration."

A brass band and a singer started the festival off with a performance of Rio's anthem Cidade Maravilhosa, which translates as "Marvellous City", as owners gathered together on the city's famous beach.

Several canines wore tiny tutus, a few were dolled up like Snow White and one had a forehead full of Indian bindis.

Rio is in the process of holding hundreds of street parties in the weeks leading up to the world-famous Carnival, which opens on 28 February.

The annual celebrations have drawn some of the heat from street protests which continue to make headlines ahead of this year's World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, though they have diminished in size.

Last week a Brazilian TV station said one of its cameramen was declared brain-dead after he was injured during violent clashes between protesters and police in Rio.

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Rio Dog Carnival: Brazil sees 100 pets and their owners turn out for

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When asked why around 100 dogs had been dressed to the ears in elaborate, colourful clothing and encouraged to "dance" along the Copacabana, one enthusiastic owner cheered: "Dogs love Carnival, too!"

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The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is held every February in the Canary Islands, where Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the largest island. Though the name of this carnival might not be as well known, it is considered the second most popular carnival in the world, after Rio de Janeiro's famous carnival! The party starts on a Friday and continues straight through Ash Wednesday when participants go through a tradition called entierro de la sardina (meaning 'burial of the sardine'), but not to worry - the party begins again the following weekend.

Rio de Janeiro Carnival

Held just before Lent each year, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is the worldwide standard for huge festivals. With over two million people in attendance each year, it is the world's biggest carnival and has been running annually since 1723. Though the revelers are allowed to move freely around the carnival, the floats themselves are quite organized - they are staffed exclusively with samba schools, or groups of neighbors that want to perform together. This carnival is filled with street festivals and numerous parties, and even features Queens of the Carnival.

Carnival of Venice

The Carnival of Venice, which takes place just before Lent and ends on that holy day, is all about the decorative masks native to the city itself. Though nobody is sure exactly how this carnival began, it is said to date all the way back to 1162, but it became extremely famous during the 18th century for its excess and was even outlawed from 1797 until 1979, thanks to the conservative King of Austria (who even outlawed masks entirely). Now that masks are no longer outlawed, each gargantuan carnival holds a competition for la maschera più bella, or 'the most beautiful mask.'

Cadiz Carnival

Cadiz Carnival is just one of many carnivals that happens in Spain, which certainly has no shortage of festivities. Though the festival itself only runs for two weeks every year, the rest of the year is still consumed with rehearsals, planning and preparation, making this carnival feel like a year-round event. Cadiz relies on music for its entertainment, and the most popular musical performances are always the chirigotas, who use worldwide news events as fodder for their song lyrics.

Taking place on Fat Tuesday, which was legally declared a holiday in Louisiana in 1875, Mardi Gras is certainly one of the most famous festivals in the United States and, perhaps, in the entire world. Though many of Mardi Gras' traditions developed in medieval Europe, specifically in spots like Rome and Venice (which, of course, sees its fair share of carnivals), they came to New Orleans upon its creation in the mid-1700s. Today, excited partiers travel from all over the United States to attend Mardi Gras celebrations, and Mardi Gras is known for over-the-top floats and costumes, drunken revelry, and, of course... beads.

Notting Hill Carnival

The Notting Hill Carnival, held annually in the perennially chic Notting Hill neighborhood in London every August, is devoted to the traditions of the British West Indian community. Attracting over a million people each year, this carnival is a huge part of British life and culture, even though it is not technically part of the religious 'Carnival' season surrounding Lent. This carnival is heavily music-focused and includes the use of large-scale sound systems and live performances. There's even a Notting Hill Carnival app that can help you navigate the different traditions and events during the festival!

Binche Carnival

Binche Carnival, or 'Le Carnaval de Binche,' is a huge carnival event that takes place in Belgium and pays tribute to this fascinating country's heritage and traditions, so much so that it was named a 'Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity' by UNESCO. For several Sundays that lead up to Ash Wednesday, there are smaller parades that include fantastical performances and live music, but the main event takes place around Shrove Tuesday and is dominated by 'Gilles,' or performers styled like clowns who wear everything from wax masks to wooden shoes.

Carnival of Oruro

Also named as a 'Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity' by UNESCO, the Carnival of Oruro in Bolivia is over 200 years old and is steeped in rich history. This particular carnival is indigenous in origin but was expanded over time to include Christian rituals as well. This carnival is focused heavily on traditional dances and ceremonies - the traditional dance of the festival is known as the 'llama llama' or diablada, and there are over 48 dance groups that perform over 15 different folk dances throughout the festivities.

Carnival of Viareggio

The Carnival of Viareggio, held in the Tuscan town of, well, Viareggio, is upheld as one of Europe's most important and well-known festivals. The main parade takes place next to Viareggio's beach on its main strip and features floats and masks, both of which are made of paper, and depict politicians, athletes and other famous figures, and all of the floats each year are built across the city in what is referred to as the 'Carnival Citadel.' In fact, the origin of the carnival was simply a disagreement-turned-competition between Viareggio's townspeople - while the wealthier citizens wanted a parade of flowery floats, local citizens decided to protest while adorned with masks.

Sitges Carnival

The Sitges Carnival in Spain, which takes place in February and attracts over 2,000 visitors, is located in a town a little ways south of Barcelona, which is primarily known for this outrageous event. Events kick off with the arrival of a figure called 'King Carnestoltes' and, like the Carnival of Santa Cruz, include a 'burial of the sardine,' along with numerous parades with names like 'Debauchery' and 'Extermination,' which should give visitors a good idea of what these parades are all about. Two huge traditions of the Sitges Carnival are folk dancing and xanotades, which is a meal comprised of an omelette served with a local salad.

Ivrea Carnival

Italy's Ivrea Carnival is based around a huge, battle-style event referred to as the 'Battle of the Oranges,' which is famously the biggest food fight in all of Italy. Though it remains a mystery as to how this tradition came about, it is a favorite Italian tradition and one that is joyously observed each year in February, when townspeople divide into a number of teams and literally throw oranges at each other for three full days, ending the carnival on Shrove Tuesday with a silent march and code phrase ' arvedse a giobia a 'n bot, ' which means 'see you next Thursday at one.' However, 'next Thursday' refers to the following year's carnival, meaning the events are over for the next year.

Torello Carnival

The Torello Carnival takes place outside of Barcelona at the end of February through the beginning of March and is a dedicated festival of drunken revelry and outright insanity (search the ' Pullasu celebration ' on Youtube to see something extraordinarily strange). Alongside this is a crossdressing parade, where men dress (scantily) as women, and there's plenty of binge drinking to go around as well - all around, the Torello Carnival is not for the faint of heart.
By Nina Starner

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The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is held every February in the Canary Islands, where Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of the largest island. Though the name of this carnival might not be as well known, it is considered the second most popular carnival in the world, after Rio de Janeiro's famous carnival!

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The 'angel' descends onto St Mark's Square. Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP

Tens of thousands of revellers in masks and period costume packed St Mark's Square on Sunday for the "flight of the angel", the traditional opening of the Venice Carnival.

On the 12th chime of midday from St Mark's Campanile, Claudia Marchiori descended gracefully from the famous bell tower, attached to a wire 80 metres (260 feet) above the crowd that had gathered for one of the world's most famous carnivals.

Dressed in a leviathan purple gown with orange wings, she sprinkled glitter and confetti to the tune of "Wicked Game", the 1989 song by American rock musician Chris Isaak.

The carnival will last until February 28th, with events taking place across Venice and the surrounding islands.

Security was high at the event this year, which left some struggling to navigate the network of bridges and canals to the centre.

"I imagine those tourists who did not know what to expect may have had some difficulties in reaching this magnificent point of the city," Michele, an Italian visitor who was enjoying the show with his Latvian girlfriend, told AFP.

The Venice carnival is thought to have started in 1162, when Venetians spontaneously gathered to celebrate a military victory in Saint Mark's Square.

During the Renaissance it became an official festival, the masks allowing revellers to forget everyday worries and the city's rigidly hierarchical class system, and indulge for the carnival period.

Abandoned for decades after it was outlawed under Austrian rule, it was resurrected in 1980 as part of a government effort to promote the region's culture and history.

It is now one of the most famous carnival celebrations in the world, with around 3 million visitors flocking the canal-covered city each spring to watch or join in the festivities.

All photos: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP

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IN PICTURES: 'Flying angel' kicks off Venice Carnival

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The 'angel' descends onto St Mark's Square. Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP Tens of thousands of revellers in masks and period costume packed St Mark's Square on Sunday for the "flight of the angel", the traditional opening of the Venice Carnival.

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Venice's Carnival Angel swoops into St Mark's Square

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Thousands of people gathered in Venice's St Mark's Square on Sunday to watch the arrival of the city's famous Carnival Angel.

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history venice carnival masks costumes italy

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History of the Carnival in Venice masks italy

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History of the Carnival in Venice masks italy. | Visit-Venice-Italy.com

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The History of England " Customs + Festivals " Shrovetide Football

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Shrovetide football has been played in England since the 14th century. Rules are few and vary greatly from place to place. The goals may be as much as three miles apart. One of the best-known survivals is the game at Ashbourne, Der­byshire, on Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.

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Inter-Livery Pancake race
11.30 am, Guildhall Yard, Gresham St, London

One of London's most traditional pancake events, involving city liveries. Originally only those involved with pancake making in some way took part, but nowadays you will see teams of plumbers, clockmakers, cooks and actuaries racing, dressed in robes or fancy dress, in the Guildhall yard. Frying pans are awarded to the winners. Any profit made is donated to the Lord Mayor's Charity.

Shrovetide "football"
Ashbourne, Derbyshire

Every year locals take to the streets of Ashbourne, Derbyshire, to play an oversized football match where the entire town is the playing field. The game is thought to date from Elizabethan times. Those born on the north side of the river play against those from the south, with the two goals set three miles apart, where mill wheels once stood. To score, players must tap the ball three times against a marker board. Shops board up their windows and cars are parked elsewhere as the resulting match becomes something of an unruly scrum. A pre-game lunch happens at noon; the game starts at 2pm after a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

Similar games of "mob football" are played in Atherstone, Warwickshire, and Sedgefield, County Durham.

www.shrovetide.net

Great Spitalfields Pancake race
12.30pm, Dray Walk Gallery, 91 Brick Ln, London

Teams of four run past the Rough Trade record shop along Drey Walk, while tossing pancakes. There are prizes not just for speed but also for the best dressed, and, in a sign that hi-jinks are common, nay expected, the best behaved teams too.

Shrovetide skipping
Foreshore, Scarborough

Every Shrove Tuesday since 1903, residents of Scarborough have taken to the Foreshore to enjoy the innocent pleasures of skipping. A "Pancake Bell" is rung by the mayor at noon to signal the start of the fun and games, children are allowed to leave school early, and nearby roads are closed to maintain safety.

thedms.discoveryorkshirecoast.com/Scarborough-Shrove-Tuesday-Skipping-Festival/details/?dms=3&feature=1005&venue=1711325

The Olney Pancake Race
Olney, Buckinghamshire

BIlled as the original pancake race, this Buckinghamshire event has been going on since 1445. Contestants (women only) must carry a frying pan over a distance of 415 yards - tossing its contents at the start and finish. They must also adhere to a strict dress code (aprons and bandanas a must). Since 1950 Olney's ladies have raced against those of Liberal, Kansas. The main event starts at 11.55am, there are also children's events, cooking demonstrations and more.

olneypancakerace.org

Greenwich Market pancake race
1pm, Greenwich Market, London

A fairly new but fun race that attracts plenty of fancy-dressed entrants and raises money for Macmillan cancer research. Heats start at 1pm and there are special races for children at 4pm. Pancake stalls will be flipping hot goodies fresh for sugaring throughout the afternoon.

Hurling the Silver Ball
St. Columb Major, Cornwall

Similar to "mob football", Hurling the Silver Ball takes place in the Cornish town of St. Columb Major every Shrove Tuesday, and on the second Saturday after. The game starts at 4.30pm, and two competing sides are the Townsmen and the Countrymen.

www.visitnewquay.org/events/hurling-the-silver-ball-st-columb-major-p1488133

Please a pancake
Whitechapel, Lancashire

Rather less brutal is the annual tradition in Whitechapel, Lancashire, where children visit households to ask "please a pancake" - they are then rewarded with sweets or fruit. The tradition dates back to when farm workers called on wealthy landowners in search of pancake fillings.

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Inter-Livery Pancake race 11.30 am, Guildhall Yard, Gresham St, London One of London's most traditional pancake events, involving city liveries. Originally only those involved with pancake making in some way took part, but nowadays you will see teams of plumbers, clockmakers, cooks and actuaries racing, dressed in robes or fancy dress, in the Guildhall yard.

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Stephen and Ashlie visit Notting Hill in London, to take part in the carnival. The Notting Hill Carnival is a multicultural festival celebrated over two days in August. The carnival is organised and led by Caribbean immigrants who settled in the area in the 1950s.

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Stephen and Ashlie visit Notting Hill in London, to take part in the carnival. The Notting Hill Carnival is a multicultural festival celebrated over two days in August. The carnival is organised and led by Caribbean immigrants who settled in the area in the 1950s.