Rio carnival approaches spectacular conclusion

The Rio carnival is winding down after several days of spectacular parades that this year were slightly marred by controversy over a child samba queen.

Paradise was the theme of the latest processions that have attracted nearly three quarters of a million Brazilian and foreign visitors.

On Wednesday the organisers will announce the winner of a prestigious award for the samba school considered to have put on the best parade.

The most talked-about spectacle featured a seven year old girl who played a part that is usually performed by much older dancers. It led to protests from a child welfare group that the role had too much of a “sexual focus”.

This year’s carnival is the first since Rio de Janeiro was chosen to host the 2016 Olympic Games. The city has been keen to show it can stage a huge event successfully.

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