Brazil's Carnival dancers perform to support vaccine

As Carnival celebrations were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, members of a samba school danced at Sao Paulo's Anhembi Sambadrome Saturday to support a vaccination campaign.

Dancers Paula Penteada and Reginaldo Pingo have been part of Vai Vai Samba school for the last 14 years.

This time they performed - without an audience - to raise awareness about the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

"We are representing this hope that there will be vaccines for all," said Penteada.

A giant painting supporting the campaign has been made by dozens of samba school volunteers.

Luiz Alvaro, president of the company that runs Anhembi sambodrome, said he was sorry the avenue was empty this year but made clear it was time to "preserve health".

"Sambodrome presents itself as an awareness tool so we save lives, so next year we can celebrate freely," Alvaro said.

(Image Credit: AP)