PHOTOS: Rio Carnival 2013

It is often cited as being one of the best party city's in the world. And with an explosion of music and colour, Rio de Janeiro proved why it receives that moniker during the breathtaking climax of its carnival.

Hoards of scantily clad beauty queens and gyrating samba dancers paraded through the streets, dressed in little more than feathers and high heals.

They were battling it out for the coveted position of Queen of the Carnival, which is renowned for being a symbol for youth, beauty and sex.

loads of pictures after the break...