Carnival Parade show in Avenida Marquês de Sapucaí, 2006
Carnival is the principal popular festival in Brazil, and Rio's Carnival is the richest and known in the world, attracting thousands of tourists both nationals and from abroad. Every year, in the Carnival time, Rio de Janeiro City has, for five days, joy in the air. The climax of the feast is the parade show of the principal group of samba schools in the Marquês de Sapucaí Avenue, where diverse associations dispute the title of Champion of the Carnival. Samba music, vivid colors, splendid costumes and gorgeous women are the main ingredients of this glorious competition.Photo: Rudy Huhold