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Samba and sequins: Rio carnival in pictures

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.

News imageEPA 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 2019EPA
More than a dozen elite samba schools paraded on Sunday and Monday
News imageGetty 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, BrazilGetty Images
The schools aim to dazzle both judges and audiences with ornate costumes and big routines
News imageEPA 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 2019EPA
Each school is judged on elements such as choreography, atmosphere, organisation and singing
News imageGetty 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, BrazilGetty Images
Some schools featured the country's indigenous communities this year
News imageAFP 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, 2019AFP
Despite reduced city subsidies, the samba schools still managed to put on a good show
News imageEPA 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 2019EPA
One dancer was inspired by Charlie Chaplin in his costume
News imageAFP 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, 2019AFP
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
News imageReuters 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, 2019Reuters
The competition between samba schools is fierce, with each school trying to outdo the next one
News imageGetty 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, BrazilGetty Images
Newspaper O Globo says the event is "another way of crying and protesting: we are alive!"
News imageGetty Images A performer dances during Mangueira performance at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival at Sambodromo on March 4, 2019 in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilGetty Images
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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