Turmoil set aside amid carnival atmosphere at Olympics opening ceremony

There was no shortage of samba, culture, diversity and history at last night’s opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro as Brazil proudly showcased its traditions and environmental wonders.

Millions of television viewers from around the world watched the three-hour ceremony, as the country reels from political and economic turmoil.

Since the event was unable to avoid the issues that are gripping Brazil — a president facing impeachment, a deep recession and environmental threats — organisers made sure that global warming and the environment, especially the country’s magnificent Amazon rainforest, were important parts of the opening ceremony.

“The world is very tense and so is Brazil. We are also willing to tell the world to stop attacking our home. The world is threatened because of global warming. We are calling for action,” said Fernando Meirelles, one of the directors of the show.

About 4,800 performers and volunteers were involved in the ceremony, with samba and pop music singers set to perform, including Grammy award winners Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil.

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen was also on hand to promote her native country.

But Brazil’s most famous athlete — Pele — did not participate. The football superstar had hip surgery several years ago and often walks with the help of a cane. In a statement, he said: “I’m not physically able to attend the opening of the Olympics.

“Only God is more important than my health. In my life, I’ve had fractures, surgeries, pain, hospital stays, victories and defeats. And I’ve always respected those who admire me.”

He said it was “my own decision”, and apologised for disappointing Brazilians, adding: “As a Brazilian, I ask God to bless all who participate in this event.” He signed the statement “Edson Arantes do Nascimento — Pele”.

It had been hoped that Pele would light the cauldron after the ceremony, which was designed by American sculptor Anthony Howe, who said he was inspired by life in the tropics. There were two cauldrons in Rio, one at the Maracana football stadium that is hosting the opening ceremony and another open to the public in central Rio.

In all, 4,800 performers and volunteers were involved in the show, which was built on three basic pillars of life in Brazil. Those were sustainability, particularly re-forestation; finding joy in life and in being Brazilian; and the idea of “gambiarra”, the quirky Brazilian art of improvising repairs using whatever parts are available.

“Smile is the approach the Brazilians have toward life,” said Marco Balich, the executive producer. “Brazil is not a grand nation. They’re saying in this ceremony, we are who we are, with a lot of social problems, a lot of crises in the political system, etc.”

Space limitations in the Maracana also curbed the creative possibilities. The stadium does not have typical Olympic dimensions — there is no track. The only Olympic events it is hosting are soccer matches.

Unpopular interim Brazilian President Michel Temer attended the opening ceremony. He replaced his ally-turned-enemy, suspended President Dilma Rousseff.

Fewer heads of state than usual attended because of Brazil’s political crisis. Ms Rousseff’s impeachment trial is expected to end after the Olympics ends on August 21, which leaves the country with two presidents until then.