the rio de jainero gay pride parade, one of the biggest in south america, has been a tradition since its founding by the non-profit arco-iris (rainbow) in 1993. every year, an estimated half a million people attended rio's pride parade, where participants dressed in drag and carnival costumes take to the streets.

the 1.3 mile parade moves along rio's copacabana beach's beach lane and ends at cross-street avenida princesa isabela. we joined in the festivities to capture the pride, diversity and joy of the event.