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Aerial view of the Maracana Stadium from 3 days ago:

I don't remember all the songs they used but the final song is called "Aquele Abraço" (roughly translated as "a hug", which is kind of a friendly saudation in Brazil). The song, composed by Gilberto Gil, was also used during the bid process. They also used "Bachiana n. 5" from brazilian classic composer Villa-Lobos (Marisa Monte sang the melody during her brief and akward entrance lol). Here's what wikipedia has to say about the bachianas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachianas_Brasileiras#Bachianas_Brasileiras_No._5 I suspect we'll hear more about Villa-Lobos during the OC in 2016.

Well, that's nothing new. Everybody and their mothers know Rio has a lot of work to do.

She was in Balmoral, Scotland. She goes and stays there every summer.

The handover ceremony as fine, not flashy as I wish it would be, but fine. I think it was modest and probably worked better in the stadium than on tv.

Wasn't "The Voice of Brazil" created during the military rule back in the 60's/70's? It's so archaic, they should get rid of it since no one really cares for that.

Great post. You guys should be proud.

Like London had a hard act to follow after Beijing. The true is that every Olympic is different. China laid its own mark when they hosted, London laid its own mark now and Rio will do the same in 2016. Rio will have its ups and downs but in the end, I'm sure it's gonna be fun and enjoyable party. I don't think the brazilian organizers have to worry about London too much, they have to make their own Olympics now and hopefully people in the world will enjoy it, if not, I'm sure brazilians will love the experience either way. This is gonna be a south american Olympics, like it or not.

No rock'n'rol during the ceremonies in Rio, please! I had enough of it last night lol Just samba and bossa nova! By the way, I hope the female performers in the ceremonies won't be too covered, like in the handover. I mean, c'mon, give me some half-naked people! This is Rio for god's sake, I want to see beauty everywhere! lol

Love it! I want a full samba party in the OC and CC, not light samba like the handover ceremony, I want true samba! Arlindo Cruz, Jorge Aragão, Alcione, Beth Carvalho, Zeca Pagodinho, Mangueira dancers and drummers. I want it ALL! lol

This video captures Rio's true essence much more than the cold perfomance in the handover ceremony. I love it!

HOLLY ****. This is epic!

There's no majesty there, why they keep calling them? lol

Getting back to the ceremonial part is so akward now lol.