Rio de Janeiro's Carnival is back after a two year hiatus because of COVID-19.

Costume makers, dancers, musicians and participants are headed back to the streets of Rio for the iconic festival.

Pre-festival street carnivals are already underway, leading up to the main parade at the Sambódromo this weekend.

On Wednesday, King Momo, the symbol of Carnival, received the keys to the city from Rio's mayor during the official opening ceremony to the celebrations.

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