Maracatu is a hallmark of the culture of Pernambuco. Its colourful rural version, Maracatu rural, grew out of the culture of sugarcane workers and is heavily influenced by indigenous and African traditions. It's quite a spectacle.

Sandro Veloso was confined to a wheelchair after a shooting. Sport has helped him rebuild his life and he now participates in the javelin, discus and shotput. "I only managed to become happy again after discovering sport," he says.

Maracatu is an unusual form of Carnival revelry that is unique to the Brazilian northeast. Local troupe Águia de Ouro put on a special performance for the Olympic Torch today.