Updated: Monday, March 28, 2011 2:02 pm

Six groups placed as finalists at the annual samba competition held at Rio de Janeiro's world-famous Carnival and returned for a customary encore at the Parade of Champions, an event which takes place every year the Saturday after Carnival to commend the nation's best talents.

According to The Washington Post, the finalists took turns performing at the Sambadrome stadium, starting with Imperatriz Leopoldinense in sixth place and followed by Salgueiro, Vila Isabel, Mangueira, Unidos da Tijuca and first-place contender Beija Flor.

Rio's Carnival draws global intrigue each year as dazzling displays of sequins, floats and vibrant performances light up the streets of Brazil's most talked-about city, though anyone who's ever visited Rio can arguably say with some certainty that this spirit stays alive well throughout the year.

With the likes of Copacabana, Ipanema, Lapa's dance halls and the neighboring rainforests of Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro is a top-notch wedding destination that's sure to have all your bases covered, whether you're dreaming of an idyllic ceremony on pristine white sands or would like nothing more than to exchange vows among the ongoing revelries.