Ever wonder why the Rio Carnival is such a crazy fun celebration? Well it may have to do with who they hand the city’s key over to at the beginning of all the festivities: Momo.

The Greek god of mockery, Momo, spent his days in Mt. Olympus making fun of other gods and goddesses. Word on the street is he even made fun of the exquisite Aphrodite for being too talkative and having creaky sandals.  But Momo crossed the line when he made fun of the big man himself, Zeus, calling him a violent man who lusts form women.  Zeus wasn’t too keen on this and kicked Momo out of Mt. Olympus. According to legend, Momo decided to settle in Rio, the city of Carnival.

It’s easy to see that Rio appreciates Momo’s sense of humor more than Mt. Olympus. The Carnival officially starts with the delivery of the city’s key to King Momo.  This is the guy who gets the party started, kicking off all the major Carnival events.  Join us on our Rio Carnival trip this February and maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of King Momo! Arrive a little early and you can see him receive the key, catapulting the city into an exuberant party you won’t soon forget.