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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Far from Rio de Janeiro's boisterous beach block parties and its world renowned Samba competitions, Carnival is celebrated decidedly differently.
Out in the landlocked working-class neighborhoods, more than an hour from Rio's downtown, residents celebrate the tradition of bate-bola. Translated literally as ball-beaters, groups of participants, or crews, don colorful clown-inspired costumes. They race through local streets, bashing large balls on the ground, to a frenetic mix of funk, fireworks and fun.