One of the world's biggest parties has just come to a close in Rio de Janeiro of Brazil.
The annual festival known as Carnival lasted for five days, and CNN's Shasta Darlington was right in the thick of it.
Ladybugs and feathered ladies,
twirling Virgin Marys and gold-painted Indians,
it can only be Rio de Janeiro's annual Carnival celebration.
The city's top 12 samba schools face off in elaborate parades at the specially built Sambadrome.
A unique experience -- had to give it a try myself.
That was absolutely amazing and exhausting.
We were dancing for a straight hours [hour], singing for a straight hour. I've lost my voice, but really amazing.
A labor of love for the samba schools that represent Rio's poorest neighborhoods.
They prepare all year, spending millions on each presentation.
"Carnival is bringing people together regardless of where they come from or who they are."
But Carnival in Rio is also a five-day nonstop street party.
More than 400 blocos or block parties fill the streets with live music free of charge.
Every bloco has its own tradition, its own flavor.
This one is Sgto. Pimenta, or Sgt. Pepper. So you can imagine it's all about the Beatles.
The biggest blocos attract more than a million revelers.
As Carnival winds down before Rio's next big event, the World Cup, revelers brace for a hangover.
Mountains of trash left behind thanks to a sanitation worker strike.