momo according to greek mythology, he was the epitome of sarcasm, teasing and irony. He was known as the god of writers and poets, with a certain malicious spirit and unfair criticism. He is usually represented dressed as a harlequin with a mask that allowed his face to be seen and with a doll or a scepter that ended in a grotesque head that symbolized madness.
The origin of the carnival dates back more than 5,000 years in Sumeria and Egypt, where they celebrated pagan festivals and purification rites, which took place in the month of February. In those celebrations the Romans offerings were made to Momo, god of ridicule and madness, famous for amusing the gods of Olympus.
In this way, carnivals were incorporated into the Christian calendar as a period of excesses that is allowed before Lent. At that time the festivities lasted three days, before Ash Wednesday. Over time, the customs spread to Rome, then to Europe, and later to America.
Currently, the most important character of various carnivals in Latin America is El Rey Momo. In countries like Brazil and Colombia and several Caribbean countries, they usually give you the keys to the city. In Brazil, it is traditional to choose a tall, fat man to play that role. While in Colombia a man is chosen, usually older, who is linked to the cultural world, traditions and festivity.
As part of her attire, King Momo in Colombia, carries a crown and a scepter or baton that was inherited from the predecessor. The crown was made a few years ago, by one of the daughters of the first King Momo of the Barranquilla Carnival, which is red and topped by a glass cross on top.
In Colombia, the Momos kings have been characterized as personalities linked to the cultural sector of traditions, who seek to safeguard and cultivate the festival throughout the area.
In the carnival of Barranquilla, King Momo is the male counterpart of the carnival queen and they headline the festivities. In both Brazil and Colombia, King Momo is the owner of the festival and is the one who, after handing over the key to the city, officially declares the start of Carnival.
In some countries, King Momo must be someone popular in the city, who has a good humor, is kind and recognized for his grace. Each region has its own process to elect the King of Carnival, who always accompanies the Queen in the parades and events of the festivity.
Crowns and scepters are of different shapes and materials in different countriesbut without a doubt, they are always present in King Momo’s attire, they also usually have a variety of outfits that they use in the parades of the festivities.