About Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro became the capital of Brazil after the discovery of gold inland in 1763. In 1960, it lost its capital city status to Brasilia.

Rio's Carnival was created by football journalists in 1931. They also encouraged fans to bring the carnival spirit to the terraces.

The Carnival's a competition between the city's best samba schools, culminating in the winning school's parade on 8th.

Rio is a reflection of Brazil's huge social divide. The rich live in the classy city centre and the poor are crammed in the surrounding shantytowns up on the hill. Alex meets Carla, a maid working in a plush Copacabana apartment. But Carla is also the star of her local samba school, Vila Isabel, and has worked all year round preparing for the Carnival parade.

• CARLA ROCHA: This costume is one of the things that most makes me fulfilled. It's where I feel a true queen. After I've put on the clothes, no-one holds me back.

• ALEX: But is it comfortable?

• CARLA: No! It's not comfortable! It's very heavy. It's very hot. But here is where I become who I want to be. It's where I forget about my difficult life and the sufferings of my family. Here, I feel really powerful. When I get here, all the rest fades away. Period!

• ALEX: What do you feel like when you see Teresa (her employer) and you're dressed like this?

• CARLA: I am thinking of how people can be so equal, side by side, at this moment. Because, when everyone has put on their costume, they are transformed. Everyone is equal. On the same level.

Carnival Time in Rio: Carla's Diary - The Preparations