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.