Brazil pays tribute to its roots

Brazil pays tribute to its roots

The performance side of the ceremony was visually spectacular, as were the fireworks. Brazil's indigenous peoples were celebrated, and the cultures of European and African nations were highlighted for their role in creating the cultural melting pot the country is today. The Amazon rainforest was recognised amid a significant focus on the environment and climate change, and the building of contemporary Brazil, with a metropolis skyline created inside the stadium, was acknowledged before a nod was given to aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont with a stunning video display featuring several of Rio's landmarks, such as Christ the Redeemer.