Brazil carnival parade. image source: news.com

One of the elaborate Rio Carnival float's

The streets of Rio were packed with over two million party goers celebrating the famous Rio Carnival which was officially opened by legendary Carnival King Momo on Friday.

Carnival organisers reported that an incredible 2.5 million people participated in the parade that lasted almost seven hours at the weekend, however local police put the turnout at 2.3 million, news .com reported.

Around 171 street parades were organised throughout the “Marvelous City” and 400 during the five-day Carnival, which organisers predict will lure four million revelers, including 850,000 visitors.

The highlight of the carnival is the parades, featuring beautifully decorated floats and hundreds of glamorously costumed singers, dancers and musicians dancing away in the Sambadrome in San Paulo.

Participant Sandrah Sagrado said Bola Preta is one of the oldest and most traditional blocs of the Carioca (Rioi) Carnival and everybody joins in the street parties.

“Bola Preta brings everyone together, people from all districts and neighbouring towns.”