Rio Carnival

Costumed debauchery, just in time for Lent

Alex Q. Arbuckle

February 1953

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

In the 18th century, Portuguese Catholics held feasts and celebrations called entrudos before the beginning of Lent. Many would use the feast as a chance to eat meat (carne) before swearing it off for Lent.This became the basis for the carnaval held annually in Portuguese-settled Brazil. Carnivals are held across the U.S. this time of year. The streets fill with outrageously costumed samba dancers and drunken revelers. Here, tourists and Rio de Janeiro locals go all out celebrating the carnival in 1953.

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Credit: Earl Leaf/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images