STORY: "We are loving Carnival, it's the first time here," said Karen, a tourist from Canada.

Tourists delighted themselves with the street party, "bloco," Virtual – a street orchestra made up of around 50 members – marking the pace of Leme neighbourhood’s outdoor party.

Toby, a visitor from Germany, said for him, Brazil’s Carnival was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Rio's Carnival 2023 will run from February 17 to February 25.

On Monday night (February 20) the remaining six Special Group samba schools will compete at Rio’s Sambadrome.