Thousands of revelers are dancing and singing in Brazil’s second-biggest city to celebrate Rio de Janeiro’s 23rd Gay Pride Parade.
Revelers of all ages are waving rainbow flags in a Carnival-like atmosphere, and parading along Rio’s famed Copacabana beach to music blaring out from sound trucks.
Many are wearing bright wigs, heavy makeup and multicoloured costumes.
Claudio Nascimento of the gay rights group that organised the event told reporters that the theme of this year’s parade is “vote in ideas and not in people”.
The parade is being held one week before Brazil’s presidential elections.
He said the parade will help encourage people to vote for candidates who support gay and human rights.
A woman dances under a giant rainbow flag at Brazil's Gay Pride Parade along the Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.
APRevelers in rainbow flags.
APA couple steals a kiss kisses during the pride parade.
APA singer performs on top of a party bus.
APA giant gay pride flag made its way through the Copacabana beach.
AP