Carnival 2009: Photos, Video, Celebrities And Obamamania (SLIDESHOW, VIDEO)

Despite fears that the economy would keep foreign tourists away, this year's Carnival has proven to be another success -- at least judging by the photos. Even Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had a good time: AP reports that he joined the festivities on Monday and tossed out condoms to the crowd.

Here is a slideshow of photographs taken by Huffington Post contributors in Rio.

• • • • • • • • • • • • Daniel Ramalho in Rio

Check out this AP video of the final day of celebrations:

Go here for photos of Carnival's Obama look-a-like.

Check out some celebrities (and nudity).

Carnival's more mature dancers.

See Viviane Castro who painted Obama on her body.

And Dani Sperle, the woman who set the record for almost baring all (NSFW Photos).