Rio carnival opens in full form after pandemic

Rio de Janeiro's carnival began Friday with Mayor Eduardo Paes ceremoniously handing control of the city to King Momo, opening the first full on carnival since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic last year prompted Rio to delay carnival by two months.

The pared back event was attended mostly by locals. This year, Brazil’s federal government expects 46 million people to join the festivities that officially begin Friday and run through February 22.Most tourists are eager to go to the street parties, known as blocos. Rio has permitted more than 600 of them, and there are more unsanctioned blocos.