Samba schools dazzled onlookers with their moves and costumes as they sought to outdo each other during a fierce competition which takes part every year during the Rio carnival.
© Sputnik / Cris GomesThe contest takes place at the so 'Sambodrome' - a long stretch of the Marquês de Sapucaí street flanked by spectator viewing areas and converted into a parade venue.
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© Sputnik / Cris Gomes
The contest takes place at the so 'Sambodrome' - a long stretch of the Marquês de Sapucaí street flanked by spectator viewing areas and converted into a parade venue.
© Sputnik / Gabriel NascimentoA Samba dancer shows off her skill during the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
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© Sputnik / Gabriel Nascimento
A Samba dancer shows off her skill during the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
© Sputnik / Gabriel NascimentoThousands of dancers and onlookers flocked to the event, disregarding fears related to the ongoing Zika virus epidemic in the region.
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© Sputnik / Gabriel Nascimento
Thousands of dancers and onlookers flocked to the event, disregarding fears related to the ongoing Zika virus epidemic in the region.
© Sputnik / Cris GomesSamba dancers strut their stuff during the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
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© Sputnik / Cris Gomes
Samba dancers strut their stuff during the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
© Sputnik / Cris GomesSamba dancers at the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
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© Sputnik / Cris Gomes
Samba dancers at the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
© Sputnik / Cris GomesColorful costumes are part of the highlights of the Samba Parade during the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
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© Sputnik / Cris Gomes
Colorful costumes are part of the highlights of the Samba Parade during the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
© Sputnik / Gabriel NascimentoThe Samba Parade is a fierce contest between the dancers, choreographers and costume designers of rival Samba schools.
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© Sputnik / Gabriel Nascimento
The Samba Parade is a fierce contest between the dancers, choreographers and costume designers of rival Samba schools.
© Sputnik / Cris GomesA Samba dancer shows off her skills at the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
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© Sputnik / Cris Gomes
A Samba dancer shows off her skills at the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
© Sputnik / Gabriel NascimentoA line of Samba dancers parade at the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
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© Sputnik / Gabriel Nascimento
A line of Samba dancers parade at the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
© Sputnik / Cris GomesEach Samba school takes on a unique theme during their performance at the Samba parade.
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© Sputnik / Cris Gomes
Each Samba school takes on a unique theme during their performance at the Samba parade.
© Sputnik / Gabriel NascimentoA Samba dancer emblazoned in gold during the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
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© Sputnik / Gabriel Nascimento
A Samba dancer emblazoned in gold during the Samba Parade at the height of the annual carnival in Rio de Janeiro.