Want to get a flavour of the Rio de Janeiro carnival closer to home? Try travelling to Lisbon for the city's annual carnival event between February 16th and 20th.

While this event is not quite on the same scale as seen in Brazil, the city gives the larger shows a run for their money with a plethora of parties, parades, feasts and more.

Extravagantly costumed performers and dancers rub shoulders with television and film celebrities, while pranksters carry out a series of practical jokes designed to showcase the Portuguese's unique sense of humour.

The climax of the carnival comes on the final day, known as entrudo, where the people of Lisbon pull out all the stops to make this a festival to remember with numerous parades and street theatre events.

Visitors to Lisbon can also enjoy the festivities indoors as well as outdoors, with many local bars, clubs and restaurants all doing their bit to add to the lively atmosphere of the carnival.

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