In pics: Carnival kicks off in Rio de Janeiro with coronation of King Momo

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. (Reuters photo)

“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 neighborhood where the ceremony took place. (Reuters photo)

Looking on were the usual suspects of Rio’s Carnival scene: revelers dressed as folkloric characters, jaguars and ‘bate-bolas’ – exuberant clowns in identical, elaborate outfits who travel in packs. Festivities will last through to Feb 14. (Reuters photo)

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 by militias and drug-traffickers. Indeed, Carnival is a chance for people to temporarily put aside their troubles. (Reuters photo)

Pa​es on Thursday issued a decree making the key ceremony an annual official event, obliging his successors to participate. In 2017, former Mayor Marcelo Crivella broke with tradition and did not hand over the key. (Reuters photo)

Momo, played this year by Caio Cesar Dutra, is charged with “presiding over Carnival festivities, participating in the parades and costume competitions, and promoting the joy of partygoers,” City Hall said in its official gazette on Friday. (Reuters photo)

Brazil’s tourism minister Celso Sabino, also present at the ceremony, said 49 million people across Brazil will take part in festivities, 6.5% more than last year. (Reuters photo)

Around 200,000 foreigners are set to pour into the country and many of them - scantily dressed and covered in glitter - will join the street parties that occupy and dominate public spaces across Rio, Sao Paulo and other cities. (Reuters photo)

Authorities will distribute repellent in the Sambadrome this year, as Brazil faces a surge in dengue cases. Earlier this week, Rio declared a public health emergency. At least four states — Acre, Minas Gerais and Goias, in addition to the Federal District – have done the same. (Reuters photo)

Back in Botafogo, tourism minister Sabino wished everyone a Carnival “full of joy, lots of happiness, but also full of responsibility.” “Long live Carnival!” he added. (Reuters photo)