12 February 2013 Last updated at 08:08

In pictures: Rio de Janeiro's Carnival

Vila Isabel samba school parades at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro

Carnival in Rio de Janeiro came to a climax on Monday night as the second group of leading samba schools paraded along the Sambadrome in front of thousands of partygoers.

Members of the percussion section of the Beija-Flor samba school parade on Monday at the Rio carnival

As the powerful "baterias" or percussion sections played, revellers danced down the 700m Sambadrome to compete for the title of best samba school. The result will be announced later in the week.

Grande Rio samba school parades at the Rio carnival on Monday night

Huge floats are a hallmark of the Rio Carnival, designed months in advance and created by an army of workers. Grande Rio had a replica of a helipad as part of its carnival story.

Members of the Academicos do Grande Rio samba school parade on Monday night at the Rio Carnival

Each school is marked on its samba theme, its costumes and the performance of its various dancing sections.

Member of Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school performs on Monday night at the Rio carnival

Samba dancers in glittering costumes and bedecked with feathers are also an essential part of the parade.

Revellers with the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school

Carnival is not just glamour, though. These revellers with the Imperatriz Leopoldinense faced the challenge of looking good and dancing - while wearing yellow duck shoes.

Members of the Grande Rio samba school parade on Monday at the Rio carnival

Sometimes there is a more serious theme, with social, political or environmental issues highlighted. This section of Grande Rio samba school paraded with a message about recycling.

Float of the Beija-Flor samba school on Monday night at the Rio de Janeiro Carnival

But the main thing is to enjoy the party. Planning is already under way for next year's themes when Rio de Janeiro and Brazil are set to host another huge event - the Fifa World Cup.

Latin America & Caribbean

In pictures: Rio de Janeiro's Carnival

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