Pre-Carnaval festas have begun. In Fortaleza, for example, there were smaller groups of blocos for the first two Saturdays after New Years, and, starting last Saturday, large shows, with many blocos, tons of drunken teenagers wandering around (no enforcement of rules about selling alcohol to those under 18 when you're dealing with temporary street stands), several assaults and two stabbings. This isn't typical of pre-Carnaval shows in most places. Shows will continue through March 4 and, in some places, afterwards.