THE CARNIVAL OF RIO IS IN FULL SWING

A moment of grace in the same swirl of samba, feathers and caipirinha!

The week is declared holy and sacred.

It brings together the entire population, galvanized by music and dance, yes, a few glasses of caipirinha too (the flagship cocktail of the country, white rum, cachaça, sugar cane syrup, lemon), in a splendid euphoria.

Seven days on horseback on Mardi-Gras and Ash Wednesday (March 5 and 6), hot, very hot! .

The highlight of the Carnival is, of course, the parade of samba schools which, with their hips, rhinestones and percussions, vie for the glory of being named as the champion of the year.

There are around 70 in the only city of Rio.

The most beautiful samba schools are often the junior division of the great samba schools.

With an age limit of 18, most of the participants are much younger and bring together real future Samba talent.

For the official parade, head for the sambodrome, avenue Marques de Sapucai.

This royal alley only welcomes virtuosos.

The samba schools are classified by divisions, much like the football teams in a championship.

And every year, the first divisions are measured on the Sambodrome.

All are adorned with their colors, choose a parade theme illustrated by monumental floats, dancers, singers, musicians who tirelessly perform the song composed especially for the occasion.

Breathtaking decorations, delirious costumes, elaborate choreographies, the party here touches its climax.

And it's up to you to get into the wild rhythm of Rio !