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One of the world's biggest parties has just come to a close in Rio de Janeiro of Brazil.

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The annual festival known as Carnival lasted for five days, and CNN's Shasta Darlington was right in the thick of it.

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Ladybugs and feathered ladies,

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twirling Virgin Marys and gold-painted Indians,

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it can only be Rio de Janeiro's annual Carnival celebration.

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The city's top 12 samba schools face off in elaborate parades at the specially built Sambadrome.

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A unique experience -- had to give it a try myself.

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That was absolutely amazing and exhausting.

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We were dancing for a straight hours [hour], singing for a straight hour. I've lost my voice, but really amazing.

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A labor of love for the samba schools that represent Rio's poorest neighborhoods.

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They prepare all year, spending millions on each presentation.

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"Carnival is bringing people together regardless of where they come from or who they are."

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But Carnival in Rio is also a five-day nonstop street party.

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More than 400 blocos or block parties fill the streets with live music free of charge.

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Every bloco has its own tradition, its own flavor.

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This one is Sgto. Pimenta, or Sgt. Pepper. So you can imagine it's all about the Beatles.

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The biggest blocos attract more than a million revelers.

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As Carnival winds down before Rio's next big event, the World Cup, revelers brace for a hangover.

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Mountains of trash left behind thanks to a sanitation worker strike.