Naomi Campbell was among the curvaceous beauties shaking a tail feather as the world's biggest party got into full swing in Rio de Janeiro. The British supermodel donned a spectacular crown of long blue plumes, along with a matching tassled bikini, when she brought a touch of A-list glamour to the annual carnival.
But Naomi's miniscule outfit was conservative compared to many of the creations on display. Not a few of the performers dancing their way through the streets were naked except for bodypaint and a few feathers in their hair.
Every year the city erupts in an explosion of colour and music as the country's top samba schools compete for the prize of carnival champions. There are celebrations all across Brazil, but Rio is recognised as the beating heart of the event, with the biggest troupes converging on the purpose-built Sambadrome Stadium to strut their stuff.
The parades are dominated by 14 large schools, which each sending up to 4,000 performers to snake their way through the city. Fireworks and laser displays light up the sky as the huge metropolis is gripped by an extravaganza of revelry. And dancing until dawn is compulsory, with all-night beach parties running around the clock on the famous Ipanema Beach.
Anyone hoping to join in the fun is advised to book their hotel well in advance, because people travel from all over the world to take part in the festivities. According to municipal authorities, some 770,000 people made the journey this year for the biggest carnival ever.
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
