Photos | Rio Carnival returns with an explosion of colour and costumes

Sparkle, feathers and samba dance moves that have been perfected over the last two years as the Rio Carnival was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, marked the return of the much-anticipated festival.

The parade brought the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro to a standstill on Friday night with many descending on to the Sambadrome to see the thousands of patrons from samba schools across the South American country and their biggest floats, along with elaborate costumes.

Performers from the Sao Clemente samba school parade on a float. This year, which was initially set for February 24, was postponed due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. Photo: Silvia Izquierdo/AP

Revellers from the Unidos do Viradouro samba school perform during the carnival parade. The usual street parties, known as blocos, were barred as the city tried to avoid large gatherings. Photo: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters

A member of the Viradouro samba school performs during the Special Group Parade on day three of the carnival. The key to the festival was handed over in a symbolic ceremony by Rio de Janeiro’s mayor Eduardo Paes on Wednesday. Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Members of the Viradouro samba school at Marquês de Sapucaí Sambodrome for the iconic carnival. The festivities are set to continue until April 30. Photo: Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Performers from the Salgueiro samba school parade on a float at the Sambadrome. Photo: Bruna Prado/AP

A reveller from the Beija-Flor samba school performs. Photo: Amanda Perobelli/Reuters

A performer from the Viradouro samba school thrilled the crowd. Photo: Bruna Prado/AP

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