Momo, according to Greek mythology, was the personification of sarcasm, ridicule and irony. He was known as the god of writers and poets, with a certain malicious spirit and an unjust criticism. He is usually depicted dressed as a harlequin with a mask that allows his face to be seen and with a doll or scepter ending in a grotesque head that symbolizes madness.
The origin of carnival dates back more than 5,000 years in Sumeria and Egypt, where they celebrated pagan festivals and purification rites, which were held in February. In these festivities, the Romans made offerings to Momo, god of mockery and madness, famous for amusing the gods of Olympus.
That way, carnivals were incorporated into the Christian calendar as a period of excesses allowed before Lent. At that time, the festivities lasted for three days before Ash Wednesday. Over time, customs spread to Rome, then to Europe and later to America.
At present, the most important character of several carnivals in Latin America is King Momo. In countries like Brazil and Colombia and several countries of the Caribbean, King Momo usually holds the key to the city. In Brazil, it is traditional to choose a tall, fat man to play that role. While in Colombia. They usually choose an older man who is linked to the cultural world, traditions and festivity.
As part of his outfit, King Momo, in Colombia, wears a crown and holds a scepter or baton that was inherited from the ancestor. The crown was made some years ago by one of the daughters of the first King Momo of the Barranquilla Carnival, which is red and has a glass cross on the top.
In Colombia, the Momo kings have been characterized as personalities linked to the cultural sector of traditions, who seek to safeguard and cultivate the festivity throughout the area.
In the carnival of Barranquilla, King Momo is the male counterpart of the carnival queen and the one who heads the festivities. In both Brazil and Colombia, King Momo is the owner of the festival and the one who, after the delivery of the key of the city officially declares the beginning of Carnival.
In some countries, King Momo must be someone popular in the city. He needs to have a good mood, be kind and recognized by his grace from him. Each region has its own process to choose the King of Carnival, who always accompanies the Queen in the parades and events of the festival.
The crowns and scepters are of different shapes and materials in different countriesbut undoubtedly, they are always present in the costume of King Momo, they also usually have a variety of attire used in the parades of the festivities.