“A lot of fear and also a lot of tiredness,” admits Pedro Gaspar. This dancer’s fatigue is due to the long months of demanding rehearsals. “Fear” can be explained in a few words: carnival from Rio de Janeiro It’s finally starting.
“The carnival is here” is the saying on every local’s lips.
The official starting signal was given this Friday with the handover of the city keys to King Momo, the young monarch who symbolizes the irreverence of this festival.
“An acquisition carried out with this joy, this energy and all this love that is characteristic of the Brazilian people and the people of Rio will always be very welcome in this country,” said Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes, during a press conference colorful ceremony.
In recent days, the “Blocos,” small and gigantic musical parades, have spread across the city, attracting crowds in creative costumes dancing to different rhythms, drunk with joy and beer.
But like every year, in addition to the street carnival, the festival will culminate with magnificent parades in the Sambódromo, which can accommodate 70,000 spectators.
The concrete monument, designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Monumental floats, dancers in colorful costumes and spectacular rhythm groups will defend their school colors in a tough competition. AFP