Dubbed the greatest show on earth, Brazil’s world-famous carnival has delighted audiences over the last few days as bikini-clad dancers performed sizzling street displays and samba parades in sweltering temperatures.
The five-day extravaganza kicked off on Friday, February 9 but there is still one full day of activities left to go.
Today’s line-up features Ipanema’s Band – the last Carnival presentation – followed by the Children’s Samba Schools Parades and Gay Ball at Scala Rio.
According to Carnival’s official website, The Gay Ball “is probably the most famous night in the series”.
It states: The exotic collection of characters, drag queens, transformers flood two floors of the club.
“The dance is broadcast all over Brazil. It always attracts a lush crowd and its admirers.”
The festival’s carnal indulgence markets the last day of celebrations and raucous fun before the Christian season of Lent begins tomorrow.
READ MORE: Lent 2018: When is Lent? What date is 1st day of Lent this year?
Watch again: Rio de Janerio Carnival highlights
If you have missed all the festivities, don’t worry – watch the video above to see some of the dazzling highlights.
To launch the ‘world’s biggest party’ Friday, officials handed a glittering key to the city to King Momo, a figurehead who presides over the partying and who, according to legend, was expelled from Mount Olympus before moving to Rio, the so-called “wonderful city.”
Top samba schools shimmied down the 700-metre (2,300ft) runway at the Sambadrome Stadium while performers decked out in headdresses and bright costumes delighted lively crowds.
Some of the impressive floats featured Chinese dragons and golden statues as orchestras and musicians provided thumping anthems.
Why are some Carnival fans angry?
Despite the hedonistic fun, Rio Carnival has not been without controversy this year after funding for the huge revenue earner was slashed by its evangelical mayor.
Marcelo Cribella, who has been outspoken in his criticism of the Rio Carnival, dismayed his critics after cutting $1.5 million of funding for the samba school parades.
However, he made his peace in time for Carnival’s opening ceremony, acknowledging how the event is a unifying force in a city where violent crime is rising.
He said: ”We live with our hearts torn apart by so much violence.
“Carnival at this moment is about resurgence, about hope.”