The Brazilian state of Pernambuco, about the size of Maine, is home to the megapolis of Recife, Brazil’s fifth largest city and home to more than 5 million Pernambucans. Recife’s carnival, along with celebrations in its colonial suburb Olinda and the in the cities of Bezerros and Nazarene da Mata, though not as internationally famous as those of Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, are part of a flamboyant, joyous, boisterous week of immense parades, intense dances, and elaborate costumes. And invitations are not required. You can jump in at any time.