Tijuca crowned Rio Carnival parade champs

The Rio samba group that shocked child-welfare advocates by choosing a 7-year-old as its drum corps queen -- a role normally reserved for sultry models -- has placed last in the extravagant parade competition.

Rio de Janeiro: The Rio samba group that shocked child-welfare advocates by choosing a 7-year-old as its drum corps queen -- a role normally reserved for sultry models -- has placed last in the extravagant parade competition and will be demoted to the minor leagues next year.
Julia Lira, daughter of Viradouro samba group president Marco Lira, was reduced to tears under the intense focus of photographers and television cameras but eventually danced her way through the parade.

The Unidos da Tijuca samba group was crowned champion yesterday of the Rio Carnival parades for the first time in more than seven decades.

Tijuca`s winning theme was ‘It`s a Secret’, and the elaborate parade examined mysteries such as the Bermuda Triangle, ancient lost civilisations and even the so-called Area 51 in the US.

More than 3,600 people took part in the presentation, which included homage to Michael Jackson. One of the group`s favourite floats was a giant ski ramp, which men dressed as Spiderman climbed and others in Batman uniforms skied down.

Tijuca last won in 1936 and their victory set off wild partying at the group`s headquarters in northern Rio.

PTI

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