King Momo (Carnival character)

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King Momo at Florianopolis's Carnival, in 2005.

King Momos, King Momus, (Rei Momo in Portuguese or Rey Momo in Spanish) 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.

[edit] King Momos of Rio de Janeiro

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. [1]:

Wagner Monteiro, King Momo of Carioca Carnival in 2004.
Year Name
1933 & 1948 Paper Mache Doll (Alex B)
1949 Gustavo Mattos(maya B)
1950 Gustavo Mattos
1951-1957 Nélson Nobre
1958-1971 Abrahão Haddad
1972 Edson Seraphin de Santana
1973 Elson Gomes da Silva (Macula)
1974-1982 Edson Seraphin de Santana
1983 Paolo Vicente Paccelli
1984 Roberto Barbosa de Castro (Roberto)
1985-1986 Edson Seraphin de Santana
1987-1995 Reynaldo de Carvalho (Bola)
1996 Paulo César Braga Champorry
1997-2003 Alex de Oliveira
2004 Wagner Jorge Vanderson Santos Monteiro
2005 Marcelo de Jesus Reis
2006-2007-2008 Alex de Oliveira