Rio Carnival: First win in 7 decades for samba group

RIO DE JANEIRO - The Unidos da Tijuca samba group has been crowned champion of the Rio Carnival parades for the first time in more than seven decades.

The group's theme was "It's a Secret" and their elaborate parade examined mysteries such as the Bermuda Triangle, ancient lost civilisations and even the so-called Area 51 in the US.

Named champs yesterday, the group also paid homage to American singer Michael Jackson.

More than 3600 people took part in their presentation.

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 their headquarters in northern Rio.

- AP