In pictures: Carnival in Brazil

Brazil's famous carnival has seen four days of celebrations across the country.

The spectacle draws hundreds of thousands of locals and tourists each year.

Few countries can match the sheer exuberance of Rio.

The elaborate costumes and make-up are devised far in advance.

Eye-catching floats are also a key part of the carnival tradition.

Street carnivals take place all over the city, like this one in the Ipanema district earlier in the week.

Reminders of Brazil's poverty occasionally surface during the celebrations.

The Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro hosts the country's grandest celebrations and parades.

Dancers from rival samba schools parade competitively...

But for the winners and losers, the end of this year's party is just the beginning of the hard work preparing for next year.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Next