BRAZIL: Gay gala ball closes Carnival celebrations in Rio

Record ID: 277165

  • Title: BRAZIL: Gay gala ball closes Carnival celebrations in Rio
  • Date: 10th February 2008
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) UNIDENTIFIED REVELERS SAYING: "It's the best (ball), it's the best in town, because it attracts many celebrities."
  • Embargoed: 25th February 2008 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Brazil
  • Country: Brazil
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz,Lifestyle
  • Reuters ID: LVABGXMO8220J24EIAW0K4C12XVM
  • Story Text: Hundreds of revelers mostly in high heels and short dresses, flock to Rio de Janeiro's Gay Gala Ball as Brazil's Carnival comes to an end.
    Hundreds of tireless revelers flocked to Rio de Janeiro's Gay Gala Ball on Tuesday (February 05) night to close the Brazilian city's Carnival season in great style.
    The funny and often creative costumes of those who attend Rio's most traditional gay Carnival celebration, attracted dozens of curious passers-by to the entrance of the Scala concert house.
    Even the residents of nearby buildings looked out their windows to check on the glamorous outfits.
    "This is a cool ball, which has everything to do with Rio de Janeiro. Scala (concert house) is in Rio because it's marvelous," said Marcelo Assis, who preferred to stay outside and amuse himself with the costumes.
    Every year men in heavy makeup and high heels, crowd the Gay Gala bash and dance until daybreak to say good-bye to Carnival.
    A reveler who preferred not to identify himself, said it was the best party in town.
    "It's the best (ball), it's the best in town, because it attracts many celebrities," he said.
    According to organizers, the traditional gay celebration attracts more tourists every year, bringing in people from all parts of the world.
    Rio authorities estimate that more than 700,000 tourists crowded the city during the five days of Carnival, whichon Wednesday (February 06).
    The lavish parades at the Sambadrome are the highlight of the renowned five-day bash, a blend of traditions from the Catholic Portuguese colonists and African slaves that is a chance to blow off steam before the 40-day Lent fasting period.
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