(3 Mar 2014) Under a display of fireworks the Imperio da Tijuca samba school opened the first night of the spectacular Rio de Janeiro carnival on Sunday night.
Sequin-drenched and feathered performers, perched atop monumental floats, enthralled the crowds of the Sambadrome, dancing samba to the beat of a raucous drum corps.
With 3,300 dancers and musicians Imperio da Tijuca paraded for 75 minutes non-stop, respecting the 80 minute limit imposed.
Each samba group is judged in 10 categories, from the quality of the drum sections to the beauty of costumes.
Whichever group comes in last is not allowed to compete in the next year's competition among the 12 best groups.
One of Rio's most traditional samba groups, Imperio da Tijuca fell out of the top-tier competition years ago but was back in the elite grouping this year with an African-themed parade.
Imperio da Tijuca was followed by other five top-tier schools disputing the title for the best parade.
The competition continues on Monday night and ends at dawn on Tuesday.
"It's always such a wonderful feeling to participate in this spectacle, this theatre, and emanate this joy to all the crowd that comes to watch," said actress Monica Carvalho who was representing the Grande Rio Samba School which paraded immediately after Imperio da Tijuca.
The showcase celebration is the biggest event in the city ahead of this year's World Cup football tournament, which starts in June and goes through to mid-July.
Brazil has come under fire for delays and cost overruns in its preparations for the World Cup, but officials here have pointed to their success in pulling off Rio's annual Carnival parade as evidence of their ability to organise a major event.
Carnival officially ends on Ash Wednesday for the beginning of the sombre Christian season of Lent leading up to Easter.
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