Procession: Various samba schools each have around 3,500 to 4,000 performers. (c) AFP/Getty Images

Procession: Various samba schools each have around 3,500 to 4,000 performers. (c) AFP/Getty Images

Procession: Various samba schools each have around 3,500 to 4,000 performers. (c) AFP/Getty Images

Performers from the Uniao da Ilha do Governador school parade during carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, early Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)
(c) AFP/Getty Images