BRAZIL: Traditional gay gala ball closes Rio's Carnival.

Record ID: 277624

  • Title: BRAZIL: Traditional gay gala ball closes Rio's Carnival.
  • Date: 22nd February 2012
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF BAND PLAYING INSIDE BALL VARIOUS OF PEOPLE DANCING IN PARTY
  • Embargoed: 8th March 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Brazil, Brazil
  • Country: Brazil
  • Topics: Entertainment,Quirky,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
  • Reuters ID: LVA1Y4NT6P9T0ZBR0DR4X9XB6ARG
  • Story Text: Hundreds of revellers, 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 revellers flocked to Rio de Janeiro's Gay Gala Ball on Tuesday (February 21) 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 party, attracted dozens of curious passers-by to the night club's entrance.
    The glamorous costumes ranged from Brazilian singer Carmen Miranda to more traditional Carnival suits.
    Every year men in heavy makeup and high heels, crowd the Gay Gala bash and dance until daybreak to say good-bye to Carnival.
    The ball's organizer, Ricardo de la Rosa, said the celebration drew people from all around the globe.
    "This is the most traditional gay ball in Brazil. This is not only for Rio de Janeiro, there are people from all around the world here. We give out joy for the entire world," he said.
    Tony Diander, who came all the way from Texas to party in Rio, said he loved Carnival in Brazil.
    "This is my first time in Rio de Janeiro, my first time in Brazil. And I've had a very good time; I've enjoyed the city, everybody's hospitality, absolutely. Rio de Janeiro and Brazil are a very beautiful place," he said.
    Reveller Richard Rodrigues said he was dazzled by the costumes.
    "This year they (transvestites) came better than ever; everyone is so beautiful. There are all kinds of people here, there was even a Shrek," he said.
    After four days of wild revelry on the streets and lavish parades at the Sambadrome, Carnival in Rio officially wrap on Wednesday morning, but many continue to party on until next Sunday.
    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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