Rio Carnival 2012: Brazilian Beauties on Parade [SLIDESHOW]

The world's biggest street party is under way again in Rio de Janeiro, with the Brazilian heat not the only thing that was sizzling.

Over two million people showed up to hit the streets of Rio to samba and party in the sun.

February is the hottest month in the southern hemisphere - in every sense.

Rio Carnival: Craziest Costumes of 2012 [SLIDESHOW]

Rio Carnival 2012: Two Million Party on the Streets [SLIDESHOW]

Dazzling costumes are a main draw for the hundreds of thousands who flock to the Rio Carnival.

A reveller from the Porto da Pedra samba school throws herself into the spirit

Actress and singer Jennifer Lopez gets a few tips from the Portela samba school

Some of the costumes were a little more daring than others

Over 850,000 tourist turned up at this year’s Rio Carnival

Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas watches the Mocidade samba school parade

Rio Carnival 2012

Each samba group has its own style

Organisers say that nearly 2.5 million people took part in the street parades - a 20 percent increase over 2011

Rio Carnival is a wild five-day celebration that draws hedonistic tourists from around the world