Carnival Begins: Rio de Janeiro officially kicks off Brazil's biggest festival

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Rio de Janeiro has officially kicked off Brazil's biggest and most awaited festival. It's Carnival time, and for the next five days, a king and its court will symbolically lead the city. CGTN's Lucrecia Franco reports from Rio.

The drums announce that Rio is under the spell of samba, the African rooted music, a rhythm few can resist when Carnival begins. Presiding over the annual five-day celebration is King Momo, his queen and princess.

MILTON JUNIOR KING MOMO "Welcome to Rio, welcome to the best Carnival in the world."

Milton Junior, a 38-old-year-bank clerk in his other life, is no stranger to Rio's Carnival. This is the sixth time he's assumed the role of King Momo, the mock ruler of the city's biggest party.The king and members of his court will attend dozens of samba events, night and day, but they all love it. Ask the queen:

JESSICA MAIA CARNIVAL QUEEN "It is great, not an easy job, but is incredible, marvelous, an honor, I feel blessed."

LUCRECIA FRANO RIO DE JANEIRO "The Carnival Royals are chosen every year for their samba skills, good humor and especially for the extra energy they need to make it through an exhausting party schedule."

We caught up with Milton at his home, getting ready for the celebrations. A healthy breakfast with his daughter Sophia to get them through Rio's marathon revelry. He proudly showed us his collection of colorful sequin shirts from previous carnivals and his crowns, memories of his dream job.

MILTON JUNIOR KING MOMO "Carnival is that time when we all forget our problems, even if it's just for a moment. For me, being part of it, is magic, to dance and parade and bring joy. It's fantastic."

Although King Momo's reign ends when Carnival is over, he says he plans to keep his crown forever. Lucrecia Franco, CGTN, Rio de Janeiro.