hundreds of block parties revolve around vibrant trucks with singers and loudspeakers, as they make their way through rio de janeiro's main streets, playing music and songs to animate the crowds.

the city's streets become inaccessible to traffic, as they get packed tight with thousands of impromptu dancers and partygoers.

one of the best-known bands is banda de ipanema, first established in 1965, and involving a block party turned parade of drag queens who act out amusing routines and interact with all participants.