From Rio Carnival Guide:

"Although Carnival is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil and other Catholic countries, Rio de Janeiro has long been regarded as the Carnival Capital of the World. The Rio Carnival is not only the biggest Carnival, benchmark against which every other carnival is compared but also one of the most interesting artistic global events. Pretty much everyone has heard of the Rio Carnival. Foreign visitors to it alone number around 500,000 every year.

One of the greatest elements of the Rio Carnival is that it not only provides entertainment for many people around the world but at the same time it gives also a chance to learn about the true culture of Brazil.

It is a Euphoric event where people dance, sing, party and have tons of fun. There are many parties that take place before, during and after Carnival all night and all day. It allows someone's true heart to come out and have as much fun as possible.

Carnival is very significant to the people of Brazil. There are carnival celebrations in virtually every corner of Brazil, the best-known ones taking place in Recife together with the neighboring Olinda (in the North of Brazil) and Salvador. But the biggest and most famous carnival is undoubtedly the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro."

Rio Carnival Guide is the best source of information about all aspects of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro - events, venues, history, 2007 Rio Carnival tickets and costumes for the 2007 Samba Parade, Sambodromo information, accomplished with insiders´ recommendations.

The photo is from their site, and features my favorite "Escola de Samba": Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel. Find tons of stunning photos from 2006 Samba Parade here.