Colors and sounds explode in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO (NBC/APTN) - Brazil's top samba schools kicked off their competition at Rio's famous carnival celebrations Monday night.

The Sambadrome was transformed into a riot of color and sound as the competition started.

Dancers in costumes adorned in feathers and sparkling glass swayed to the music.

Each samba school is judged by a jury.

The schools are then ranked at the end of the two-day competition.

The celebrities who attended the first day of competition included Hollywood actors Will Smith and Megan Fox.