One for the bucket list . . . once in your lifetime, go see the Rio Carnaval parade. I mean it. Unbelievable parade with gorgeous costumes, intricate yet massive floats, upbeat samba music, and parade participation by tens of thousands. Watched by millions around the globe. If you are lucky, you'll get to sit close-by on the edge of the runway and interact with the dancers, cheering them on and appreciating their moment of samba fame and glory. Saturday's parade was rainy for part of the night, but it did not dampen the revelers' spirits a bit! Huge smiles and happy people. We were so glad to be able to enjoy it with diplomat friends Oggie and Raj, who have the "burden" of being posted in Rio for two years! Thanks, friends, for helping us enjoy such a unique and wonderful experience! Now, you go put Rio Carnaval on your bucket list!
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| Thousands of drummers |
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| Intricate, huge floats |
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| Samba: a dance for all ages |
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| Kids samba too |
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| Brilliant colors |
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| Happy dancers despite the rain |
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| Music themed float |
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| Brazilian history shown |
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| Dancers looked like roses; they smelled that way too! |
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| Massive mango tree in the butterfly garden |
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Celebrating history
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| We had a great vantage point! |
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| Samba schools compete for glory |
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| Whimsical, beautiful costumes |
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| Magnificent floats |
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| World's best samba dancers |
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| Inventive costumes: clothes pins, curlers and collanders |
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| Rams with plastic fleece |
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| Feathers and fur |
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| More feathers |
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| The hands and head move side to side |
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| Rembembering some historical moment |
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| Chickens with banana wings---who knew? |
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| Each samba school with its queen and king |
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| Dance group of ladies in their 70s |
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| The End |
