When the beautiful samba girls danced into the stage at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel at the Victorian Harbor, which is one ofthe oldest hotels in Hong Kong, the audience started to rock and clap excitedly.

In addition to the authentic alien dance and music from Brazil,the carnival also features gourmet of the South American country, with some of the barbecue favorites being cooked by a guest Brazilian chef, which will surely leave an unforgetable impression with every visitor.

According to Josephine Tang, public relations officer of the hotel, most of their customers are foreign visitors who were attracted by the atmosphere there.

Deputy Consul-General of Brazil Orlando Scalfo officiated at the opening ceremony of the carnival, which will run until Jan. 26.

(Xinhua News Agency January 20, 2003)