Spectacular Rio Carnival kicks off with bejewelled dancers in show-stopping outfits
Max Jeffery
Max Jeffery
RIO Carnival kicked off yesterday with parades of dancers entertaining crowds in show-stopping outfits.
The world-famous Carnival, which takes place in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro, began with a spectacular display of bejewelled dancers performing alongside giant mechanical parrots and tigers.
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Rio Carnival began yesterday with a parades of dancers in costumeCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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Some of the dancers' show-stopping outfits were covered in feathersCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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The festival is a celebration of Catholic and European pagan traditionsCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
Party-goers were treated to the procession in the Sambadrome, a 500-metre long arena purpose-built for the spectacular samba processions.
The Carnival was originally a food festival celebrating Catholic and European pagan traditions, but it has since evolved into a week-long bonanza of dancing and parades.
Highlights this year include the Magic Ball, taking place today, which has been dubbed by the “grandest and most luxurious occasion in the Carnival” by organisers.
The Carnival began yesterday and will run until 29 February.
Giant mechanical animals featured in the parade, including a blue parrotCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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Large tigers, also made for the Carnival, stood alongside the dancers on podiumsCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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The festival will finish with the Champions Parade next weekendCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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Yesterday's parade took place in the Sambadrome arena in Rio de JaneiroCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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Party-goers enjoyed the display of colourful costumes and brilliant decorationsCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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There are more than 300 street carnivals taking place all over the cityCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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Rio de Janeiro is considered the carnival's capital cityCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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The evening's events usually start at 9pm and can continue until 5am the next morningCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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Those who want to attend can buy tickets or join one of the samba schoolsCredit: Hyde News & Pictures Ltd
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