Overview

• Rio de Janeiro's Carnival, often called the world's largest party, officially began with the symbolic key handover to 'King Momo' by Mayor Eduardo Paes.
• The festival is expected to attract eight million visitors and generate an estimated 5.7 billion Reais (approximately 936 million Euros) in economic activity.
• The Sambodrom parades feature performances from 12 top samba schools, now spread over three days for extended viewing and participation.
• A total of 457 street parades, called 'blocos,' will bring music and dancing to neighborhoods across the city in the coming days.
• The Sambodrom, designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, serves as the centerpiece for the event, with tens of thousands of spectators and millions watching worldwide.