Brazil has postponed Rio de Janeiro's famed carnival for next year, the latest spectacle hit by the pandemic as governments across the globe struggle to contain a surge in coronavirus infections.
Rio's carnival, famous for its gyrating Samba dancers, drummers and dancing crowds, draws millions for all night parties in packed streets, making social distancing all but impossible.
Brazil now has the world's second highest death toll after the United States -- nearly 140,000 fatalities -- and is still battling to bring the virus under control.
Rio's samba schools had already warned in July that without certainty of a vaccine this year it would be difficult to organise the February 2021 festival.
"It's not a cancellation, it's a postponement," said Jorge Castanheira, president of the group that organises the parades. "We are looking for an alternative solution, something we can do when it's safe to contribute to the city."
