Rio Carmelitas bloco kicks off Rio carnival

Thousands of revelers gathered in an old Rio neighbourhood on Friday, to dance, drink and make merry to the sound of samba music.

Rio de Janeiro: Thousands of revelers gathered in an old Rio neighbourhood on Friday, to dance, drink and make merry to the sound of samba music.

The "Carmelitas bloco" party honours a nun who,according to legend,escaped from a convent to take part in the city's annual carnival celebrations.

For 29 years the Carmelitas bloco, paraded through the streets of Santa Teresa neighbourhood with revelers and musicians dressed as nuns and priests.

This year Carmelitas was at risk of not taking place due to some changes in official documents and permits requested by the city authorities.

The necessary documents were given final approval on Friday morning.

Many other traditional blocos are under similar peril.

"I think it's sad because for Rio de Janeiro, this is cultural, it's our culture, " said Carmelitas participant Alexandre Ramos.

The Carmelitas bloco is one of the most traditional carnival street parties in Rio de Janeiro, taking its name from the legend of a cloistered catholic nun that escaped the convent to join a carnival street party.

Another reason for carnival participants to be fearful is the possibility that authorities may close the Sambadrome.

On Thursday, the public prosecutor askeda judge for the right to close the "Marques da Sapucai"- as the Sambadrome is called- due to safety reasons.

Much of the appeal of Rio's street parties is the variety of themes.

Any costume, or no costume at all, is fine, and revelers can choose according to their musical taste and location.

The street parties are free, or close to it, and partiers spend what they want on the food and drink being offered.

Hundreds of similar street parties will be happen in Rio de Janeiro between Friday and Tuesday, granted they receive the proper authorisations to do so.

(With inputs from APTN)