Bissau, Guinea Bissau (February 5, 2016) - Members and fans of the Iris Carnaval group in Bissau wait while their teammates prepare for dance practice for the big party.
Bissau, Guinea Bissau (February 5, 2016) - Elmo, a member of the Iris Carnaval group, poses dressed in his modern clothing while holding the traditioanl outfit he will wear for Carnaval. The clothing he will wear is a ceremonial outfit used for dances that celebrate the harvest and announce the beginning of a fanado, the initiation rites into manhood.
Bissau, Guinea Bissau (February 5, 2016) - A girl stops to pose in her witch hat and golden mask as Carnaval kicks off in Bissau. The theme of the festivities was celebrating Bissau tradition and culture. While participants competed to see which groups could outperform and outdress one another in traditional dances and clothing from various ethnic groups in Bissau, spectators outdid in each other in bright, modern fashion.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 5, 2016) - A man dressed as Kankouran, the traditional Mandinga creature that chases away evil spirits after circumcision ceremonies in Mandinga tradition, stands with a woman dressed in modern clothing in a neighborhood in Bissau. The Kankouran was dressed up as part of Guinea Bissau's Carnaval celebrations each year. In Bissau each year teams from all over the country perform traditional dances, songs and more from a variety of Guinea Bissau's ethnic groups to compete in Carnaval. The celebrations blend traditional clothing and ceremonies with modern party elements such as dyed-blonde hair, bright pink wigs and plastic party hats.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 6, 2016) - A spectator in wire glasses waits for Carnaval festivities to begin in Bissau, Guinea Bissau.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 6, 2016) - Carnaval spectators dressed in funky t-shirts and glasses take a pause to pose as they walk through the streets of Bissau.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 6, 2016) - Spectators line up to watch the first day of competition for Carnaval groups in Bissau, Guinea Bissau.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 6, 2016) - A group performs a dance from the Bijagos ethnic group in Bissau, as they compete in Carnaval competitions in Bissau, Guinea Bissau. The theme of this year's Carnaval in Bissau, which runs from February 6-9, is "Rescue and Promote Our Culture." As part of those festivities, teams from all over the West African country compete by dressing in ceremonial clothing and perform dances from a variety of the country's ethnic groups, such as the Bijagos, here. Every group presents dances and small presentations from many different ethnic groups.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 7, 2016) - A stilt dancer, or Malecho, tries to teasingly terrorize a crowd in Bissau. The dancer, a tradition in Mandinga culture, is an entertainment figure who comes out for a variety of parties, including Baptisms, and of course, Carnaval.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 7, 2016) - Dionisa poses for a portrait in Bissau during Carnaval.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 7, 2016) - A man wears a condom as an earring, which says "I Love You," in Bissau during Carnaval.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 7, 2016) - A young crowd mills about socialiazing in Bissau during Carnaval.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 8, 2016) - Spectators wait for the parade to start in Bissau during Carnaval.
issau, Guinea-Bissau (February 9, 2016) - Sene, a member of the Bijagos island chain's group that performed during Bissau's Carnaval, poses with the costume he wore while dancing. The costum is worn traditionally during the coming-of-age ceremony, known as the Fanado.
Bisssau, Guinea Bissau (February 9, 2016) - A man dressed as a traditional Fula entertainer breathes fire at Guinea Bissau's Carnaval celebrations.
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 5, 2016) - A boy, dressed in traditional clothing from the Bijagos ethnic group in Guinea Bissau - including palm oil spread all over his body - participates in Carnaval celebrations in Bissau, Guinea Bissau. The children were participating in events for Guinea Bissau's Carnaval. This year's Carnaval theme in the former Portuguese colony is "Rescue and Promote our Culture."
Bissau, Guinea-Bissau (February 6, 2016) - A man washes his car while wearing a Carnaval mask in Bissau, Guinea Bissau.