A single glance at the brilliantly detailed costumes, gargantuan crowds and extravagant floats, and it’s easy to see why the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is one of the world’s most incredible festivals. Each year, millions of people gather at the Sambadrome and in the streets to take part in the colorful celebration.
Although Carnival traces back to the ancient Romans and Greeks who celebrated the rites of spring, the modern festival began in Brazil in the 1800s. Back then, residents would don costumes and dance throughout the streets in celebration. Now the Rio de Janeiro Carnival puts on some of the world’s most dazzling parades and events, including the Carnival Samba Parade.
Revelers and performers from over 200 samba schools compete at the Carnival Samba Parade. People in each samba school have something in common, be it hailing from the same geographic region or having a particular ethnic background or interest. Their performances—which often feature detailed floats and colorful costumes—take place in the city’s Sambadrome, a stadium-like building erected in the early 1980s to house the growing parade. Check out these colorful images from the 2015 Rio de Janeiro Carnival festival in Brazil:
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A performance from the first day of Carnival 2015. Source: NY Daily News
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Thousands of dazzling performers congregate at Brazil’s Sambadrome. Source: The Guardian
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Performers from the Portela samba school. Source: PJ Star
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Performers from the Mangueira samba school. Source: Design You Trust
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Wilson Neto, the Carnival King, hands over a ceremonial key to the city. Source: Business Insider
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Brazil’s annual Carnival festival is no doubt one of the most vibrant celebrations in the world. Source: ABC
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Even four-legged friends like this one celebrate during Carnival. The Blocao dog parade featured lots of costumed pets. Source: KIRO
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An aerial snapshot of the colorful Carnival festival. Source: FOX
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Performers from the Nene de Vila Matilde samba school. Source: NY Daily News
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The annual Carnival festival is one of the most extravagant celebrations in the world. Source: NewsNext
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Carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro. Source: Dayton Daily News
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Performers from the Academicos do Grande Rio samba school. Each year, performers display intricate, beautiful costumes like this one. Source: The Guardian
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Women celebrate at a block party meant to encourage black pride. Source: Business Insider
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The costumes at Carnival are one of the festival’s main selling points. Source: La Patilla
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The Carnival Queen makes an appearance at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro. Source: Xinhuanet
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Elaborate performances at the Carnival festival often touch on social issues. Source: NewsNext
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The Carnival King holds up a ceremonial key to the city. Source: The New Daily
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A member of the Uniao da Ilha do Governador samba school puts the finishing touches on a float. Source: Baltimore Sun
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Performers from the Salgueiro samba school perform on opening day of Carnival 2015. Source: Hello!
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Revelers of the Unidos da Tijuca samba school at Carnival 2015. Source: ABC
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Performers from the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school. Source: The Star
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A Nelson Mandela float honors Afro-Brazilian heritage. Source: The Star
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Many performances take place at Rio de Janeiro’s Sambadrome. Source: NY Daily News
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Revelers of the Unidos da Tijuca samba school at Carnival 2015. Source: ABC
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Performers from the Rosas de Ouro samba school. Source: NY Daily News
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The Beija-Flor samba school wins the 2015 Carnival parade competition. Source: Kansas City Star
