The world's biggest carnival is back for the first full-scale edition in three years, after the turmoil of Covid-19 and Brazil's bitterly divisive elections.
The carnival usually lasts for four days, starting on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and ending on Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras).
The carnival is a colourful and lively event, with elaborate parades, samba music, and dancing.
The main attraction is the Samba Parade, which takes place in the Sambadrome, a purpose-built parade stadium.
City's top 12 samba schools were competing to become the champions with dazzling floats, thundering music, and dancers in skimpy, feather-covered costumes.
The samba schools spend months preparing for the parade, creating intricate costumes and choreography, and selecting a theme for their performance.
According to local authorities’ estimates, the annual festival is expected to be attended by more than 40 million people this year.
Many of the schools have returned to their roots, choosing themes linked to founding figures of the samba genre, the Afro-Brazilian culture.
The carnival is known for its vibrant and festive atmosphere, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate.