It is big, bright, brash – and only in Brazil. The curtain came down on the iconic Rio Carnival on Sunday night with the traditional parade of champions – Samba champions that is, in the city’s Sambadrome.<br /><br /> During the week contestants – 12 schools in all – had put on the their feathers and dancing shoes to compete for the coveted title of champion of the Carnival.<br /><br /> “We have spent a year preparing for the contest and now this is the final moment. We finished second but at the moment I feel as though we are champions,” said one contestant. <br /><br /> The country’s stalled economy and a high profile corruption case were forgotten during one of the world’s biggest five day parties. Brazil’s big bash coincided with celebrations for the the Chinese New Year.<br /><br /> “The Carnival here in Brazil is exciting and happy. The excitement and happiness I feel is irrespective of nationality, so I feel very happy to celebrate Chinese New Year here,” enthused Ding Xing a Chinese Tourist at the event.<br /><br /> A tropical
