page_title: King Momo
section_title: King Momos of Rio de Janeiro
hierarchical_section_title: King Momo / King Momos of Rio de Janeiro
caption_attribution_description: English: Rei Momo of Rio de Janeiro in Carnival of 2004 Português: O Rei Momo do Carnaval Carioca de 2004
context_page_description: King Momo or King Momos or King Momus, is considered the king of Carnivals in numerous Latin American festivities, mainly in Brazil and Colombia. His appearance signifies the beginning of the Carnival festivities. Each carnival has its own King Momo, who is often given the key to the city. Traditionally, a tall, fat man is chosen to fulfill the role because the original King Momo was of that physical stature.
  In Argentina and Uruguay Rey Momo is more often represented by a big, sometimes monumental, doll made of papier-mâché over a wooden or wire structure. In these cases it is carried in a tow or at the top of a truck, and presides the carnival with a royal court of dancers. While a doll, it conserves its traditional features: flamboyant and colorful clothing, a smiling or joyful face and a prominent belly. It used to be burnt at the end of the festivities, also being its climax, but this practice is being discouraged in recent times for safety reasons.
context_section_description: Probably the most famous of the King Momos are found in Rio de Janeiro where the tradition of a presiding king goes back to 1933. :
caption: Marcelo Reis, King Momo of Carioca Carnival in 2005.
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