Flames, feathers and fangs feature in spectacular parade

The Beija-Flor samba school has been crowned winner of Rio de Janeiro’s celebrated carnival parade competition.

Thousand gathered at the city’s giant Sambadrome arena to watch the top 12 samba schools battle it out for this year’s title.

Beija-Flor was crowned winner on Wednesday for the 15th time, narrowly beating second-placed Grande Rio.

Its performance was an homage to its late director, Luiz Fernando Ribeiro do Carmo, better known as Laíla, who died in June 2021 with Covid-19.

While the overarching theme of Beija-Flor’s parade was a tribute to its late director, it also featured floats with pyrotechnic displays and dancers dressed as devils.

The performances are judged over 10 categories by a total of 40 judges.

One of the top 12 samba schools competing for the title was Paraíso do Tuiuti, whose dancers paraded in exuberant feathers.

Among the incredible variety of costumes and performances, Vila Isabel’s ghosts clad completely in white were a counterpoint to the kaleidoscopic costumes typical of Rio’s carnival.

Performers from the Grande Rio samba school, which came a close second behind Beija-Flor, kept a watchful eye on the parade.

Mocidade delighted spectators with a giant puppet.

Many of the Mocidade’s dancers wore futuristic costumes, inspired by its theme song, which this year was entitled Back To The Future – There Are No Limits Dreaming.

Imperatriz came third this year with a parade which included revellers adorned with gold and white skulls.

Portela samba school paid tribute to the legendary Brazilian musician Milton Nascimento. The 82-year-old singer-songwriter waved at the crowd during the parade.

Despite their impressive floats, Unidos de Padre Miguel came last this year and therefore will not be competing in the top tier in 2026.

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