Solange Gomes, queen of the Porto de Pedra samba school drum corps, opens the second night of the premier Carnival parades, at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, February 27, 2006. The Carnival in the beachside city of Rio de Janeiro is famed as one of the world's best parties.  (Reuters)

Solange Gomes, queen of the Porto de Pedra samba school drum corps, opens the second night of the premier Carnival parades, at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, February 27, 2006. The Carnival in the beachside city of Rio de Janeiro is famed as one of the world's best parties.   (Reuters)