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Security high for Rio revellers | Security high for Rio revellers |
(about 5 hours later) | |
The self-proclaimed "greatest party on Earth" has begun in Brazil as the country celebrates its annual carnival. | The self-proclaimed "greatest party on Earth" has begun in Brazil as the country celebrates its annual carnival. |
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Rio de Janeiro on Friday night as the revelry got under way. | |
However security was tight after some shocking examples of violent crime recently, a BBC correspondent says. | However security was tight after some shocking examples of violent crime recently, a BBC correspondent says. |
Thousands of extra police officers are on duty in Rio, some occupying hillside favellas or shanty towns, others patrolling tourist areas. | Thousands of extra police officers are on duty in Rio, some occupying hillside favellas or shanty towns, others patrolling tourist areas. |
The city has seen some horrific violence in recent weeks, including the killing on Tuesday of a leading member of one of the city's samba schools. | The city has seen some horrific violence in recent weeks, including the killing on Tuesday of a leading member of one of the city's samba schools. |
Mayor Cesar Maia kicked off the celebrations by handing the key of the city to the carnival king, known as Rei Momo, at a ceremony outside the city hall. | Mayor Cesar Maia kicked off the celebrations by handing the key of the city to the carnival king, known as Rei Momo, at a ceremony outside the city hall. |
Asked if he thought the recent violence would spoil the carnival atmosphere, Mr Maia said: | Asked if he thought the recent violence would spoil the carnival atmosphere, Mr Maia said: |
Carnival in pictures | |
"No, quite the opposite. I think that given these unfortunate events, Rio de Janeiro will work past these events to reaffirm its nature and identity as people who are calm, peaceful and happy. Carnival is a good time for this, for us to reaffirm the identity of 'Cariocas' [people from Rio de Janeiro]." | "No, quite the opposite. I think that given these unfortunate events, Rio de Janeiro will work past these events to reaffirm its nature and identity as people who are calm, peaceful and happy. Carnival is a good time for this, for us to reaffirm the identity of 'Cariocas' [people from Rio de Janeiro]." |
About 180 million Brazilians and hundreds of thousands of tourists are taking part in celebrations nationwide. | About 180 million Brazilians and hundreds of thousands of tourists are taking part in celebrations nationwide. |
Like last year, the government has handed out 25 million condoms as part of a safe sex campaign. | Like last year, the government has handed out 25 million condoms as part of a safe sex campaign. |
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