Rio Carnival

Brazilian singer and composer Hildemar Diniz, known as Monarco and considered one of the most important figures of samba music, died on Dec. 11 aged 88.

His death was announced by Portela, one of the most famous samba schools in Rio de Janeiro where he served as president.

Rio de Janeiro would normally be kicking off its famed carnival now, but instead of booming drumlines, glittering floats and barely clad dancers, the Brazilian city's "Sambadrome" is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination drive this year.

The Rio Carnival 2017 lived up to its reputation! Costumes, Theme chariots, fun, thousands of people and of course exotic Latin women!
As it happens every year Brazil gathered the attention of the world with tourists from every corner of the planet who traveled just for this annual festival!
Here are just a few pictures from Rio 2017!

(Click to enlarge)

Refugee children from Syria and other conflict-torn countries will be treated to a place in Rio de Janeiro's exuberant carnival parade on Feb. 9, UN officials said.

Swatting aside fears over the Zika virus, the glittering dancers of the Rio Carnival samba championship and their adoring fans were primed Feb. 7 for their first all-night parade.

A Brazilian samba school shrugged off a controversy over alleged funding by an African strongman president and went on to claim its 13th win at the Rio Carnival championship on Feb. 18.