As most of the world endures a bitterly cold winter, the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro is basking in warm weather. The summer heat always reminds Brazilians that the country's famous Carnival is just around the corner. Workers and samba schools are working day and night to prepare for the city's biggest party.

 

It's almost Carnival time in Brazil - and Sunday's final dress rehearsal ran without a hitch along Sambodrome Avenue.

The 70,000-seat venue will soon host the city's top samba schools in a 82-minute parade. Each year a marathon of rehearsals and tests are carried out so the parade on Saturday night runs like clockwork.

Jorge Castanheira, President of Samba Schools League, said, "This is the last week for us to make adjustments before the first day of the parade. Everything is under control, thank God."

2009 carnival champion, the Beija-Flor samba school, gave thousands of spectators a glimpse of what they can expect from their Brasilia-themed show.

Selminha Sorriso, Beija-flor Flag Bearer, said, "This is a very special day, it is our final technical rehearsal. Beija-Flor is going to prove that both our show and our floats are ready."

The first parade tests started back in early December. Carnival officially opens in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, when Mayor Eduardo Paes hands over the keys to the city to carnival King Momo.