Rio de Janeiro already has its new Official Carnival Queen. The Rio tourism government body RIOTUR promoted last September the “2009 Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen and King Contest” at the Samba City in Rio. In total, there were 12 beautiful Brazilian Beauties, along with 12 heavy-weight King candidates… The Carnival “King” was also elected during the same event. The King in the Brazilian Carnival has a special title. He is called “Rei Momo”- Momo King, and his tradition goes back to the Brazilian Carnival Culture several years. Jéssica Maria de Freitas , 24 years old student, was the great winner of this warm and sensual night!



The contest started with the individual presentation of the 2009 Carnival Queen candidates. They were wearing golden swimwear and were cheered up by the Samba Show group. Many of them brought their personal fans from many samba schools. The candidates were judged on several criteria, including sympathy, beauty, carnival spirit, samba dance routines and outgoing personality. The jury committee was formed by notable personalities of the Brazilian Carnival, like Carlinhos de Jesus choreographer, journalist Sidney Rezende and Flag Bearer from Beija-Flor Selminha Sorriso. The Brazilian Beauties dances were elaborated by Unidos da Tijuca Flag Bearer Lucinha Nobre, who is the official choreographer of the contest. The Carnival Queen candidates made a second presentation through the runway, this time with full carnival costumes and were interviewed by contest host man, Jorge Perlingeiro.

Below, the samba dance part of the contest:




After much expectation and suspense, the samba fans that crowded the Samba City finally discovered who would help to promote Rio de Janeiro 2009 Carnival, as its formal Queen. Jessica Freitas and the Momo King Milton Rodrigues da Silva Junior were crowned by RIOTUR Operations Director, Bruno Mattos. Shayene Cesário Vieira and Charlene Valnice da Costa, earned respectively second and third place, and became Rio 2009 Carnival Princesses. They also earned prizes ranging from US$ 6.000 to US$ 10.000.




Below and above, we see pictures from Diego Mendes, Henrique Mattos and Alexandre Brum, from O DIA Agency.


Wondering what really a Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen and King does? This contest sponsored by the Rio de Janeiro City, is in reality a tradition and at the same time, a marketing event. Rio de Janeiro Carnival is the most magical carnival in the world, and needs constant promotional efforts. At their posts, the newly elected Queens, Princesses and the King visit the most important Carnival Balls, the Sambadrome Parade and take part of the official handling of the city keys ceremony with Rio ´s Mayor. In this event, the Mayor opens the city´s door to the Carnival festivity. They work non-stop from September through the end of the Carnival, in February, highlighting the Carnival affairs.
Next time in Rio, try to visit the Samba City or one of the many samba rehearsals in town!


Please see below the profile of the Brazilian Beauties of 2009 Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen contestants:



1- Natália dos Santos Norbert
Age: 20 years
Height: 1,65 cm
Size: 38
Profession: Dancer and Student
Samba School: all



2 - Lívia Silva Moura



Age: 19 years
Height: 1,67 cm
Size: 38
Profession: Student
Samba School: Mangueira


3 - Luciana Conceição da Silva
Age: 23 years
Height: 1,61 cm
Size: 38
Profession: Dancer
Samba School: All


4 - Luana Cristina Herdy Jesus
Age: 26 years
Height: 1,65
Size: 38
Profession: Ballerina
Samba School: Salgueiro


5 - Shayene Cesário Vieira Princess



Age: 23 years
Height: 1,75 cm
Size: 42
Profession: Lawyer
Samba School: Estácio de Sá


6 - Cynthia Jaciara Paixão de Oliveira
Age: 23 years
Height: 1,75 cm
Size: 40
Profession: Student
Samba School: Salgueiro




7- Michele Cristina Soares Pereira dos Santos
Age: 25 years
Height: 1,70 cm
Size: 38
Profession: Ballerina
Samba School: Portela


8 - Clara Cristina Paixão de Oliveira
Age: 25 years
Height: 1,70 cm
Size: 38
Profession: Nurse
Samba School: Beija-Flor


9 - Jéssica Maia de Freitas – Official 2009 Rio de Janeiro Carnival Queen




Age: 25 years
Height: : 1,70 cm
Size: 40
Profession: Student
Samba School: Loves all of them!


10 - Érica Pereira Monteiro

Age: 20 years
Height: 1,62 cm
Size: 36
Profession: Dancer and Student
Samba School: União da Ilha


11 - Charlene Valnice da Costa – 2009 Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2nd Princess


Age: 25 years
Height: 1,70 cm
Size: 38
Profession: teacher and dancer
Samba School: Beija-Flor



12 - Danielle Batista de Brito
Age: 23 years
Height: 1,67 cm
Size: 38
Profession: Student
Samba School: Todas