Carnival revelers hunt for bargains in crisis

Unsold tickets and fewer tourists cast shadow on world-famous street party

RIO DE JANEIRO - Instead of costly and elaborate costumes with glittering sequins, expect more cheap get-ups featuring fake mustaches, hats and tiaras at this year's Carnival.

Revelers are bargain-hunting ahead of Rio de Janeiro's world-famous party, which is about to kick off amid a prolonged economic crisis that is hurting pocketbooks and the myriad businesses that depend on the bash for a large part of their annual incomes.