The world's greatest Carnival celebration kicked off Saturday night in Rio de Janiero with an explosion of music and dancing. Nine of the city's "second league" samba troupes were locked in fierce competition at the city's Sambadrome stadium over a shot at the kind of glory only found during the unique festival.

The world's greatest Carnival celebration kicked off Saturday night in Rio de Janiero with an explosion of music and dancing.

Countless spectators gathered to witness the 9 troupes duke it out in a parade of dance, elaborate costumes, and of course, samba music.

Only one of the 9 will be able to join the ranks of the city's 13 elite samba groups - and go-on to parade before 70,000 spectators on Sunday and Monday. Two of the elite troupes are also downgraded every year, and must fight to regain their titles - a fact that's got this fan of the Viradouro troup struggling to contain his anticipation.

A spectator said, "We have high expectations for Viradouro, they were downgraded last year and we are hoping that they will be upgraded this year. But we are enjoying everything up to now."

One of the most crucial ingredients are the troups' drum corps.

The world's greatest Carnival celebration kicked off Saturday night in Rio de Janiero with an explosion of music and dancing.

Each group selects an elaborately-costumed queen to lead their drummers - a point of controversy as the roll is now typically filled by actresses or models instead of a genuine member of the crew. But it's ultimately hard to feel concern over such things in the midst of such energetic celebration and fierce competition.

A dancer said, "We are going to win, we are the best!"

And as dancers are lofted high up in the air above the floats on tiny pedestals - spectators' spirits rise along with them.