RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – To thunderous applause, Rio de Janeiro’s mayor coronated King Momo on Friday, marking the beginning of the symbolic carnival monarch’s five-day reign over the revelry.
“I officially declare Carnival 2024 open!” King Momo said after Mayor Eduardo Paes bestowed upon him a gigantic, silver and gold key. Confetti flew in a hall of the Palace of the City in the Botafogo neighbourhood where the ceremony took place.
Looking on were the usual suspects of Rio’s Carnival scene: revellers dressed as folkloric characters, jaguars and bate-bolas – exuberant clowns in identical, elaborate outfits who travel in packs. Festivities will last through to February 14.
Nowhere to be seen were the troubles recently ailing the tropical city: a dengue outbreak that days ago prompted the decree of public health emergency; a federal decree to combat a rise in violence.
Paes on Thursday issued a decree making the key ceremony an annual official event, obliging his successors to participate.
