As Brazil emerges from one of its worst recessions in recent history, Rio de Janeiro's traditional Champions Parade took on a distinctly anti-establishment tone.

Samba schools took over the city's Sambadrone on Sunday to deliver messages against slavery, which campaigners said continued to exist in parts of Brazil.

Major Brazilian politicians including President Michel Temer and Rio's mayor Marcelo Crivella were expected to skip the two-day event.