Sambadrome de Rio de Janeiro
/http%3A%2F%2Fassets.nydailynews.com%2Fimg%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fgal_brazil_carnival_1.jpg "Rio has a long established tradition of samba schools, social clubs representing particular neighborhoods that take to the streets every year, parading down Rio's Sambadrome, a 700-meter-long boulevard surrounded by stands that hold up to 90,000 revelers. <br><br>Above, the Portela samba school performs.")
Rio has a long established tradition of samba schools, social clubs representing particular neighborhoods that take to the streets every year, parading down Rio's Sambadrome, a 700-meter-long boulevard surrounded by stands that hold up to 90,000 revelers.
Above, the Portela samba school performs.
Published: 02/16/2010 14:12:08
Credits: Mejia/AP nydailynews
/http%3A%2F%2Fassets.nydailynews.com%2Fimg%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fgal_brazil_carnival_11.jpg "The intricate costumes of the Portela school dazzle.")
The intricate costumes of the Portela school dazzle.
Published: 02/16/2010
Credits: Almeida/Getty nydailynews
/http%3A%2F%2Fassets.nydailynews.com%2Fimg%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fgal_brazil_carnival_19.jpg "While Carnival is celebrated in towns and villages across Brazil and other Catholic countries, Rio de Janeiro's festivities have become a benchmark against which every other celebration is compared. <br><br>Here, a member of Grande Rio samba school parades during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome on Feb. 16.")
While Carnival is celebrated in towns and villages across Brazil and other Catholic countries, Rio de Janeiro's festivities have become a benchmark against which every other celebration is compared.
Here, a member of Grande Rio samba school parades during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome on Feb. 16.
Published: 02/16/2010 14:12:08
Credits: Mejia/AP nydailynews
/http%3A%2F%2Fassets.nydailynews.com%2Fimg%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fgal_brazil_carnival_5.jpg "Each samba school pics a theme, then creates costumes and floats, writes music and practices all year round for their big parade.")
Each samba school pics a theme, then creates costumes and floats, writes music and practices all year round for their big parade.
Published: 02/16/2010 14:12:08
Credits: Scorza/Getty nydailynews
/http%3A%2F%2Fassets.nydailynews.com%2Fimg%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fgal_brazil_carnival_20.jpg "Celebrities, such as Beyonce, Madonna, Paris Hilton, and Alicia Keys, flock to the festivities.")
Celebrities, such as Beyonce, Madonna, Paris Hilton, and Alicia Keys, flock to the festivities.
Published: 02/16/2010 14:12:08
Credits: Mejia/AP nydailynews
/http%3A%2F%2Fassets.nydailynews.com%2Fimg%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fgal_brazil_carnival_6.jpg "The parade heats up.")
The parade heats up.
Published: 02/16/2010 14:12:08
Credits: Mejia/AP nydailynews
/http%3A%2F%2Fassets.nydailynews.com%2Fimg%2F2010%2F02%2F17%2Fgal_brazil_carnival_23.jpg "mce_href=")
The tradition of Carnival can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who celebrated the coming of Spring. Across Europe, people gave thanks for the new season by throwing parties, dressing in costumes, and dancing in the streets.
Here, members of Grande Rio samba school show off their skills.
Published: 02/16/2010
Credits: Dana/AP nydailynews
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