In pics | Brazilians celebrate life as Rio carnival returns

Rio's elite samba schools returned to the Sambadrome on April 23 for the second night of competition in Brazil's largest Carnival.

Day Two: Rio's elite samba schools shine at Carnival

Several of Rio de Janeiro's elite samba schools paraded through the famed Sambadrome in a spectacular competition on Monday (February 24) in the hopes of winning bragging rights for this year's best display.

Rio shimmers for samba extravaganza at carnival

In Rio de Janeiro, the work goes in before the party goes on. With the world's largest carnival just ten days away, warehouses and workshops are putting the final touches in place for the city's biggest event. Floats are being painted, sequins are being glued and glitter painted onto costumes for the dazzling event that attracts millions to Rio de Janeiro's streets.

Feathers, sequins and glitter - Rio gets ready for carnival