If "pure magic" were an actual country.
The world famous Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is just wrapping up this week and there's some awesome news!
Rio carnival: Tribute to Afro-Brazilian god wins title
A samba group which highlighted prejudices against Afro-Brazilian religions has been crowned as the champion of this year's hotly-contested carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro.
The Grande Rio Samba School won its first title with a song, costume and floats that paid tribute to Exú, a god revered by many African cultures.
Exú is a benevolent spirit who serves as a messenger between Heaven and Earth
Afro-Brazilian religions have come under attack from Evangelical Churches, which mistakenly label Afro-Brazilian deities as demons.
Grande Rio, which is based in the poor neighbourhood of Duque de Caixas, said it wanted to show a more positive side of Afro-Brazilian religions.
Dancers wore elaborate headdresses
Some dressed in white robes, the colour worn by followers of the Candomblé and Umbanda faiths
"We conceived our parade as a defence of our beliefs against religious racism and the demonisation of Exú," Grande Rio's creative director said.
Their costumes were adorned with feathers and masks
Beads also featured prominently
Watch here:
