10 of the cutest pictures of pooches in fancy dress at Rio de Janeiro's carnival of dogs

This fancy dog's grape-colored outfit could be a nod to the festival's origins, which dates back to the 1650s when lavish feasts were set out to honor the Greek wine gods.

Or maybe purple is just her color. 

Brazil has faced a difficult few years with a devastating number of deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic, political turmoil, and the devastation of the Amazon. 

But now, cute pups like this bring the opportunity to spread a little joy, even when times are tough. 

Although times are tough, this handsome superhero has come to try and save the day. 

Brazil's four-legged friends have lined the streets with color, glitter, and canine smiles. 

This very pretty dog seems particularly excited for Greta Gerwig's much-anticipated Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. 

Either that or maybe she's looking for a role in the show? Here's hoping she has an agent. 

The Rio de Janeiro carnival is famous for its colorful floats and samba music that fills the capital city. 

This group of puppy pals looks as though they're ready to lead a dance parade on a float, 

This pooch sports a very cool look in his blue sports shades and yellow bandana. 

Although the floats seen at the Rio carnival are normally much bigger, some pooches had their own mini versions to parade in. 

This cool pup is paraded in style by his owner.

These happy puppies aren't the only ones beaming that the carnival is back in full swing, with Jorge Perlingeiro, president of Rio's league of samba schools, telling the media that "It's such an important party. It's a party of culture, happiness, entertainment, and leisure," Euronews reports. 

"We've waited for so long, we deserve this catharsis," Thiago Varella, a 38-year-old engineer told the news site at a party in Sao Paulo.