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Samba and sequins: Rio carnival in pictures

7 March 2019

Brazil's most famous carnival celebrations have taken place in Rio de Janeiro.

More than 70,000 people gathered at the city's huge concrete arena known as the Sambadrome, where samba schools compete to be crowned carnival champions.

More than a dozen elite samba schools paraded on Sunday and Monday

EPA Members of the samba school of the Grupo Especial Paraiso do Tuiuti take part in the traditional carnival parade at Marques de Sapucai sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, early 05 March 2019 — More than a dozen elite samba schools paraded on Sunday and Monday

The schools aim to dazzle both judges and audiences with ornate costumes and big routines

Getty Images Members of Unidos de Vila Isabel Samba School perform during the parade at 2019 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 04, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — The schools aim to dazzle both judges and audiences with ornate costumes and big routines

Each school is judged on elements such as choreography, atmosphere, organisation and singing

EPA Members of the samba school of the Grupo Especial Especial Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel take part in the traditional carnival parade at Marques de Sapucai sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, early 05 March 2019 — Each school is judged on elements such as choreography, atmosphere, organisation and singing

Some schools featured the country's indigenous communities this year

Getty Images Members of Unidos de Vila Isabel Samba School perform during the parade at 2019 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 04, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Some schools featured the country's indigenous communities this year

Despite reduced city subsidies, the samba schools still managed to put on a good show

AFP Members of Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel samba school perform during the second night of Rio"s Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on March 5, 2019 — Despite reduced city subsidies, the samba schools still managed to put on a good show

One dancer was inspired by Charlie Chaplin in his costume

EPA Members of the samba school of the Grupo Especial Mocidade Alegre take part in the traditional carnival parade at Marques de Sapucai sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 05 March 2019 — One dancer was inspired by Charlie Chaplin in his costume

This float was an homage to Marielle Franco, a black city councillor and human rights activist from one of the city's poor favela districts who was shot dead last year

AFP Anielle Silva (2-R), sister of murdered council woman Marielle Franco, takes part in the Vila Isabel samba school parade during the second night of Rio"s Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on March 4, 2019 — This float was an homage to Marielle Franco, a black city councillor and human rights activist from one of the city's poor favela districts who was shot dead last year

The competition between samba schools is fierce, with each school trying to outdo the next one

Reuters Revellers from Vila Isabel samba school perform during the second night of the Carnival parade at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil March 4, 2019 — The competition between samba schools is fierce, with each school trying to outdo the next one

Newspaper O Globo says the event is "another way of crying and protesting: we are alive!"

Getty Images A member of Unidos de Vila Isabel Samba School performs during the parade at 2019 Brazilian Carnival at Sapucai Sambadrome on March 04, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Newspaper O Globo says the event is "another way of crying and protesting: we are alive!"

Some seven million people were expected overall at what is said to be one of the world's largest street parties

Getty Images A performer dances during Mangueira performance at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival at Sambodromo on March 4, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Some seven million people were expected overall at what is said to be one of the world's largest street parties

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