World Famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2013

The Carnival attracts over a million visitors to Rio every year. Rio Carnival 2013 begins 40 days before the religious holiday of Easter. The competition between 12 elite samba groups dazzles more than a billion spectators. Almost all of the music played during Rio Carnival is samba. The main attractions are the Samba queens who are chosen in a contest. They need to be beautiful, confident and infused with a carnival spirit. The first attempt to celebrate the Carnival in Rio occurred in 1641.

credit: Fotos_Gratis