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Journalism of Courage
Carnival was underway in Rio today with millions set to take to the streets for days of rowdy,joyous parades and festivities,bringing the nation to a halt for its annual wild party.
Nearly 800,000 Brazilian and foreign tourists were expected join Rio’s six million residents in the celebrations,whose climax comes on Sunday and Monday with the city’s top samba schools putting on their extravagant processions led by sexy dancing queens.
Extra security has been deployed to reassure visitors and locals alike — and to attempt to roll back Rio’s deserved reputation for street crime ahead of its hosting of football matches in the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.
The official launch of Rio’s Carnival was given by “King Momo,” an honorary figure elected before the partying on the basis of his sizeable girth and jolly nature.
“I give the keys to the city to your majesty,” Mayor Eduardo Paes told the symbolic sovereign in a ceremony at the town hall.
“I declare the magnificent Carnival of Rio open!” King Momo replied,as he quick-stepped into a nifty samba dance accompanied by a couple of sequined Carnival queens.
Billed as The Biggest Party of Earth,Rio’s Carnival is a magnet for partiers and jetsetters,who rub shoulders with the city’s exuberant residents,rich and poor alike.
