One of the more unusual parts of Rio de Janeiro's street parades took place on Sunday. Owners brought along their pets, dressed in bright costumes for the annual pet parade.

The event has taken place each year for nine years next to the famed Copacabana beach.

The first pet parade comprised six musicians and just twenty pets. But now the event attracts hundreds of pet owners and their animals. Most of those attending this year's event brought their dogs, many sporting colorful hats.

According to the organizer, the parade this year began earlier than usual, to avoid the extreme heat of the afternoon. Rio de Janeiro's annual carnival begins on March 5th.