King Momo is the traditional ceremonial ruler of Rio de Janeiro carnival.
In Brazilian carnival tradition, the king is presented as a jovial figure who symbolically receives the keys to the city and presides over the festivities. The role is linked to the character Momus, a figure from Greek mythology associated with satire and mockery, though Brazilian carnival developed its own distinctive version of the tradition.
Rio’s King Momo is selected or crowned for the carnival season and appears at official ceremonies and celebrations. The character is generally portrayed as exuberant and larger-than-life, reflecting carnival’s playful reversal of ordinary social roles.
The title can be confused with the names of parade hosts, samba-school leaders or elected city officials. King Momo is ceremonial rather than a governing office. The exact selection process and presentation have changed over time, but the title remains a recognizable symbolic institution of Rio carnival.