Carnival is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil, but Rio de Janeiro has long been regarded as the Carnival capital of the world.  Rio Carnival is a four day celebration that takes place forty days before Easter.

The euphoric event features dancing, singing and partying and draws 500,000 visitors each year.  The 2009 festivities end today – Fat Tuesday.

We’ve got some great photos of the event and a video from Rio Carnival 2008.  Check them out below.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MR-lmW6xvVU[/youtube]

More photos here.

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