Amid political commentary, Rio de Janeiro kicks off annual carnival

A reveler dressed in Spider-Man costume strikes a pose at the "Ceu na Terra" or Heaven on Earth street party in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. AP Photo

A dancer from the Tom Maior samba school performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo. AP Photo

A dancer from the Mancha Verde samba school performs during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo. AP Photo

Dancers from the Barroca Zona Sul samba school perform on a float during a carnival parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil. AP Photo

People fill the street during the Academicos do Baixo Augusta carnival "bloco" parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil. AP Photo