Religious Rio mayor said to be planning Israel trip to avoid annual carnival

Rio de Janeiro’s mayor, Marcelo Crivella, a retired Pentecostal bishop, is reportedly planning on coming to Israel this week in an effort to avoid participating in his city’s annual Carnival.

The former gospel singer and missionary, a high-profile member of one of Brazil’s most powerful evangelical churches who took office on January 1, signaled this week that he may not participate in the festivities starting Friday.

The mayor is usually in charge of the traditional presentation of the city’s key to “Rei Momo,” or “king of the party” and is often photographed taking part in the celebrations.

Crivella’s office declined to make him available for an interview or say what he would do during the Carnival period if he doesn’t attend. Local reports have said a trip to Israel could be on the books.

— with AP