Thousands are dancing the Samba this weekend along Ipanema beach,Rio de Janeiro in a pre-festival party ahead of the city’s big carnival.<br /><br />This annual shindig is named after the street band that leads it, “Simpatia? Quase Amor,” which roughly translates to “Friendliness is Almost Love.” <br /><br />Designer Monica Marta has participated in the block party since it first started three decades ago:<br /><br />“Carnival for me is a place of protest, of irreverence, it’s where we send a message, make a demand and also express some joy, happiness and it shakes things up,” she said. “And 30 years of “Simpatia” (sympathy), it’s very exciting,” added Marta.<br /><br />The band will lead another parade and block party when the Carnival begins this Friday February 28.<br /><br />With the World Cup just over three months away, the tourist spotlight is on Brazil.<br /><br />Five million people are expected to join Rio carnival party next weekend, a fifth of them visitors.
