The 50-day Rio de Janeiro Carnival officially began on Sunday (12), with presentations of the final contest of King Momo and queen of the event, the Favorita street block, with guests such as Sandra de Sá, Toni Garrido, Preta Gil and about 300 thousand revelers in Copacabana beach.

The artists were the most celebrated when they entered the stage set in front of the Copacabana Palace. The Favorita block is known for receiving famous people and dragging crowds through the streets of Rio.

Preta Gil invited guests, such as Thaila Ayala and other artists, and turnt up the audience with "Magic Balloon Class." "Our balloon is one of diversity and respect," said the singer, to the delight of the thousands of people in Copacabana.

Rio de Janeiro residents approve the 50-day carnival project. Publicist Camila Cury, 27, hopes the initiative can help with the infrastructure of street events.

The Military Police reported that there are more than a thousand police officers in the security of the event and that there was no record of fights, at least until the beginning of the Favorita block, at 15h. On social media, some people reported thefts and fights during the event. The medical center also reported cases of discomfort and cuts by broken glass on the ground.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon