Carnival kicks off in Brazil despite recession, security woes

A reveller takes part in the annual block party Cordao de Boitata during pre-carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil February 19, 2017. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Carnival festivities kicked off in Brazil on Friday, with officials in Rio de Janeiro, site of the country's best-known revelry, handing the key of the city over to "King Momo," a figurehead who traditionally presides over the partying.

Despite an ongoing recession and police strikes that raised security concerns in recent weeks, thousands of locals and tourists swarmed across Rio for the start of the five-day festival, which the city expects will draw more than 1 million visitors and generate about $1 billion for the local economy.