30 July 2012Last updated at 10:21

In pictures: Haiti's carnival of flowers

Carnival queen Kimberley Benoit, 22, blows a kiss to the crowd

People have turned out onto the streets of Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, for the start of the three-day Carnival of Flowers that runs until 31 July. Carnival queen Kimberley Benoit blew kisses to the crowds on Sunday.

Woman dressed as a flower parading in Port-au-Prince

The carnival is usually an annual event but this year's celebrations were the first since the devastating earthquake of January 2010.

Man in a butterfly costume takes part in the parade in Port-au-Prince

Many of the costumes had a flower theme but also wildlife as this man in a butterfly costume showed.

Man dancing in the streets of Port-au-Prince

The parades were accompanied by music bands, giving revellers the chance to perform in the streets.

Haitian voodoo worshippers dancing in Port-au-Prince on 29 July 2012

The carnival was also a chance to celebrate Haiti's culture. Voodoo worshippers were among those taking part.

People parading with brooms and dressed in flower-patterned costumes in Port-au-Prince

There was some criticism of the cost of staging the event, put at $1.6m ( £1m), the Associated Press reported. But President Michel Martelly's government said it would boost morale.

A carnival queen with fruit-studded hat is taken through the parade by car

The procession of vehicles and floats went past the presidential palace, which was badly damaged in the quake. Sunday's partying saw all manner of costumes and elaborate headdresses.

Man with two snakes wrapped around his head in Port-au-Prince

Some participants adopted a more unconventional look. This man was carrying two snakes wrapped around his head.

Latin America & Caribbean

In pictures: Haiti's carnival of flowers

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