The world's biggest Carnival bash kicked off Friday under the shower of confetti and Samba beats on the streets of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

The carnival, which starts 46 days before Easter, is going to be even bigger, with 20 percent more tourists expected.

The carnival, which is celebrated for five days, was launched by legendary King Momo who was flanked by his queen and two princesses.

Click here for the photos of Brazil Carnival 2012:

Brazil Carnival begins
Revellers parade for the Camisa Verde e Branco Samba School during a carnival at Anhembi Sambadrome in Sao Paulo February 17, 2012. Reuters
Brazil Carnival begins
Revellers parade for the X-9 Paulistana Samba School during a carnival at Anhembi Sambadrome in Sao Paulo February 17, 2012. Reuters
Brazil Carnival begins
A reveller parades for the X-9 Paulistana Samba School during a carnival at Anhembi Sambadrome in Sao Paulo February 17, 2012. Reuters
Brazil Carnival begins
Revellers parade for X-9 Paulistana Samba School during carnival at Anhembi Sambadrome in Sao Paulo February 17, 2012 Reuters
Brazil Carnival begins
A pregnant reveller parades for the Camisa Verde e Branco Samba School during a carnival at the Anhembi Sambadrome in Sao Paulo February 17, 2012. Reuters
Brazil Carnival begins
A reveller parades for the Vai Vai Samba School during a carnival at Anhembi Sambadrome in Sao Paulo February 17, 2012. Reuters
Brazil Carnival begins
A reveller parades for the X-9 Paulistana Samba School during a carnival at Anhembi Sambadrome in Sao Paulo February 17, 2012. Reuters
Brazil Carnival begins
A reveller parades for the Vai Vai Samba School during a carnival at Anhembi Sambadrome in Sao Paulo February 17, 2012. Reuters
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