Millions turn out for Brazil’s big carnival

BRAZIL’S famous carnival season remains colourful and flamboyant despite the country’s recession woes.

Dancers from the Tom Maior samba school performed on a float during a parade in Sao Paulo as parties kicked off around the country.

The carnival runs until Thursday and sees much of the country’s businesses shut down.

But as millions of revellers took to the streets, military police clashed with suspected drug dealers in Sao Paulo.

Dozens of Brazilian cities have cancelled their carnival celebrations this year because of financial pressures.