those who wihs to enjoy carnival celebrations in parts of rio other than the sambódromo or the masquerade balls, will still find plenty of partying to be had in the marvelous city before lent starts - cariocas of all ages, races, classes and dispositions will be celebrating from dusk until dawn and one cannot help but to catch the contagious, joyous madness that descends over the city until fat tuesday.

toes tapping, hips moving, and butts shaking, what really makes carnival in rio is the passion of its participants - whether a first-time attendee or a life-long reveler, all are welcome for what is, by all accounts, the greatest show on earth. 

on this link, and on this additional page, we published our pictures of the sambódromo parades, giving an up-close look to the costumes, the smiles, and the energy of some of the thousands of participants in this amazing show.