Each of the samba schools which compete in Carnivale represents a favela, one of Rio’s notorious slums. The schools are a source of community pride and cohesion, eliciting loyal colour wearing, anthem singing and flag flying worthy of a football fan club.

I went to the Salgueiro Samba School Carnivale rehearsal with 2000 others in the school’s large hall. The band, the separate percussion group,

the dancers

and the crowd of locals of diverse ages, races and genders

sang and danced energetically.

The club committee and veteran Carnivale dancers wore their own costumes.