Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become an event of huge proportions.Rhythm,participation,and costumes vary from one region of Brazil to another.In the southeastern cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo,huge organized parades are led by samba schools.The country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense,day and night,mainly in coastal cities.The consumption of beer accounts for 80% of annual consumption[citation needed] and tourism receives 70% of annual visitors.The government distributes condoms and launches awareness campaigns at this time to prevent the spread of AIDS.
