The ceremonial king who presides over Rio de Janeiro Carnival is called King Momo.
In Portuguese, the title is Rei Momo. Traditionally, the mayor symbolically hands the city’s Carnival keys to King Momo, marking the beginning of the official festivities. The ceremony represents the temporary surrender of ordinary civic order to Carnival celebration.
King Momo is commonly portrayed as a cheerful, charismatic figure associated with exuberance, dancing, and festive excess. The role is ceremonial rather than governmental, and the king does not administer Rio de Janeiro.
The title is connected with the figure of Momus from classical mythology, a god or personification associated with mockery and satire. Brazilian Carnival developed its own popular version of the character, turning him into a central public symbol of the holiday. The title should not be confused with the separate role of Carnival queen or with the samba-school performers in the parade.