It is an eclectic and vivacious five day masterpiece which begins on Friday and finishes on shrove, or 'fat', Tuesday.

Carnival can be seen as a somewhat hedonistic indulgence in the excesses of flesh and desire preceding the abstinence of bodily pleasures and desires that traditionally follows on the Wednesday.

Carnival captures and exhibits the key aspects of Brazilian culture, demonstrating the country's long-standing relationship with exuberant music, as well as its people's penchant for seduction, beauty and fun.