] SALVADOR, Brazil -- The costumes are glitzy and the flesh
] amply exposed. Samba and other native rhythms thunder
] from marching bands and rock groups alike, whipping
] millions of onlookers into frenzy.
]
] The festivities have reached a fevered pitch in Brazil,
] where an entire nation is caught in the midst of Carnaval
] -- a multi-day celebration of dance, music and ample
] amounts of booze.
]
] While it may not have invented the holiday leading up to
] Lent's Ash Wednesday, South America's largest nation is
] by far the king of Carnaval countries. Millions of
] tourists from all corners of the globe converge to join
] the nation's 175 million in their revelry.
]
] And most everyone to some extent participates in the
] celebration. Whether you just lean out a window to catch
] a glimpse of the "desfiles" (parades) or march in one
] yourself, Carnaval's grasp is inescapable.