THE Rio Carnival came alive with more than two million revelers in outlandish
costumes staging a mammoth, frenzied samba-driven street festival in the city
center.
Drawing the huge crowds, a day after legendary King Momo declared the
Carnival officially open, was the Cordao da Bola Preta -- one of Rio's oldest
and most popular blocos street parties.
While the eagerly awaited highlight of the Carnival, the parades of
elaborately decorated fantasy floats and scantily dressed women in the
Sambadrome, attract mainly the wealthy and foreign tourists, blocos are for
all.
"Bola Preta is one of the most traditional blocs of the Carioca (Rio)
Carnival and everybody participates, particularly blacks (from the favelas),"
participant Sandrah Sagrado told AFP.
"Bola Preta brings everybody together, people from all districts and
neighboring towns," Denise Chagas concurred.
Organizers said 2.5 million people took part in the street parade that
lasted nearly seven hours. Police put the turnout at 2.3 million...Read more.
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» World's biggest carnival in Rio
Carnival King Momo (L) gets from Rio's mayor Wduardo Paes (R) the keys to the
city during the official launching of the 2012 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro,
Brazil, on February 17, 2012.
A dancer of Beija Flor samba school performs during the official launching of
the 2012 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 17, 2012.
Revellers attend the annual block party known as the Carmelitas, one of the
many carnival parties to take place in neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro
February 17, 2012.
Revellers attend the annual block party known as the Carmelitas, one of the
many carnival parties to take place in neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro
February 17, 2012.
Revellers pose during the traditional 'Cordao do Bola Preta' carnival band
parade along Rio Branco avenue, in downtown Rio de Janeiro on February 18, 2012.
Revellers pose during the traditional 'Cordao do Bola Preta' carnival band
parade along Rio Branco avenue, in downtown Rio de Janeiro on February 18, 2012.
Revellers pose during the traditional 'Cordao do Bola Preta' carnival band
parade along Rio Branco avenue, in downtown Rio de Janeiro on February 18, 2012.
Revellers pose during the traditional 'Cordao do Bola Preta' carnival band
parade along Rio Branco avenue, in downtown Rio de Janeiro on February 18, 2012.
Revellers pose during the traditional 'Cordao do Bola Preta' carnival band
parade along Rio Branco avenue, in downtown Rio de Janeiro on February 18, 2012.
