3, 2,1,0...the Carnival is in view. Right now, the seats are still empty, but on the 14th of February, the grand opening will be seen worldwide and no seats will be left anywhere. © Peter Bauza
União da Ilha is one of the biggest Samba schools in Rio. At this year's "Sambadrome," the school's presentation will occur on the tops of brand-new cars. Everyone at the school is eagerly awaiting the grand opening. Armando, above, is the keeper of the secrets at the school. It is a big responsibility: everyone would like to get a peek at the cars, at the concepts and designs for this year. But Armando has to keep these secret for 6 whole months—surprise is key for a successful presentation. © Peter Bauza
Workers go at it day and night to finish in time for the Carnival's opening on the 14th of February. Many have been sleeping inside the barracao (the shelters that serve as staging points) in order to have everything ready. © Peter Bauza
Working day and night to get everything in perfect condition for the Carnival. © Peter Bauza
Men and women, boys and girls—everyone takes part in the preparations (even if only some get to participate directly in the celebrations). © Peter Bauza
Although many people are celebrating, others see a chance to make some extra money. Above, carnival sales activities fill the streets of Rio. People sell costumes, fans, water, food—anything to keep the party going! © Peter Bauza
Back at União da Ilha, security is ramped up in the days leading up to the opening. There are guards at every door to make sure that the cars (and outfits) remain a complete secret. © Peter Bauza
The Carnival parades in Rio have become very serious. Today is the day that the Premium League (the "Grupo Superior")—the biggest and best Carnival schools—debuted. In between groups, workers must dry the floor before the next one marches down the avenue. © Peter Bauza
Some of the Samba schools are very well-known. One can buy merchandise from them, much like sports team. © Peter Bauza
A worker prays—he wants his school to win the 2015 Carnival parade. © Peter Bauza
For the famous "Washing of Samba Avenue," each Samba school sends a representative dressed as Mãe-de-Santo (a priestess in the Afro-Brazilian tradition). She is responsible for sprinkling holy water on the sacred Carnival ground, which was blessed the day before by a priest. The mantle above demonstrates the mix between Christianity and Afro-Brazilian religions that becomes evident during Carnival. © Peter Bauza
The parades reach their apex. The crowd waits eagerly to see the best schools show off their stuff. © Peter Bauza
The dancer above has already been performing for over an hour. Because the parade is moving, the dancers must constantly perform at their best, to impress each new section of the crowd. © Peter Bauza
Many of the participants, except those from the richest and best schools, have to buy or produce their costumes by themselves. The woman above has been dancing for nearly 2 hours and is still filled with energy. © Peter Bauza
Street vendors at Carnival are called "Bloco." They play an essential (if overlooked) part in keeping the festivities going. © Peter Bauza
The show must go on! Hard workers push a carnival car by brute force, since the engine has broken down. © Peter Bauza
The youth and elders share the unique passion of Carnival. People begin their membership at their samba schools from childhood. Extended families will all be part of the same school. The schools serve as a kind of family heritage. © Peter Bauza
The traditional "Baianas" and their dances affirm the cultural link between contemporary Brazil and the country's Afro-Brazilian heritage. Bahia is often called "Little Africa". © Peter Bauza
This woman's part in the parade is over. She gave herself fully to the performance and now takes a moment away from the spotlight. But still, the Carnival goes on. © Peter Bauza
A parade car makes its way back to the barracões (the shelters). Its night is over as well. © Peter Bauza
Yes, this is the end of the 2015 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Months of preparation, five amazing days and millions of people enjoying the festival. This year's happy winner is the samba school, "Beija-Flor." All too soon, the preparations for the next Carnival will begin. © Peter Bauza