Take a taxi home. It officially started on Friday, lists both a local beer and a nationwide condom manufacturer among its sponsors, and features more than organised block parties. Skimpy costumes are prevalent, with curvaceous Wonderwomen, bronzed men in micro boxer briefs and golden halos, and the occasional human taxi all rubbing shoulders and more while drinking weak beer and strong caipirinhas. Perhaps unsurprisingly, kissing is abundant, and all sorts of couples are accepted.

The mere idea that U. A report in Britain's It is, they say, a celebration of the body, closer in the spirit to the Olympics than a strip bar. If there were any U. But for those looking for companionship at carnival, opportunities seemed to abound. Brazilians say the nakedness at carnival is about sensuality, not just sex.

A report in Britain s The Guardian newspaper that American soldiers are looking to Rio for rest and recreation especially sex tourism prompted many Brazilians to say that the gringos have it all wrong. Despite all the jiggling, sweating flesh on display Saturday, Brazilians say the annual spectacle which is expected to draw , revelers through Tuesday isn t all about sex. It is, they say, a celebration of the body, closer in the spirit to the Olympics than a strip bar. If there were any U. But for those looking for companionship at carnival, opportunities seemed to abound.

The beat of the drums resonates down the streets of Rio every year for three weeks. Known as one of the greatest parties on the planet, millions of people dance and celebrate to Brazilian music. By definition, it is a carnal holiday with a lack of real authority. Thieves are so common in the crowds that people have taken to buying cheap phones to take out to the street parties in case they get robbed.