RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil's Carnival is a riot of drinking, dancing and partying.

HISTORY: Carnival is supposed to usher in a 40-day fasting period before Lent.

SAMBA SCHOOLS: The top 12 Samba organizations, or schools, parade over Sunday and Monday nights to compete for the champion's crown. Each school features up to 6,000 drummers, dancers and decorated floats. The schools develop a theme and a special Samba song.