Posted by
Billy on Monday, February 15, 2010 3:22:15 PM
A seven-year-old has broken down crying as she took the controversial lead of a Rio de Janeiro carnival parade.
Julia Lira became the youngest drum corps queen in memory, but her role has sparked much debate in Brazil.
A judge had earlier over-ruled objections from a child rights agency that said it was inappropriate given the carnival's sexual focus.
Tourism officials have estimated about 730,000 visitors have arrived in Rio for the party.
Julia led the Viradouro samba parade into the packed Sambadrome wearing a sequined halter top and miniskirt made of purple feathers.
Her father, Marco, who is Viradouro's president, took her by the hand and presented her to the crowd.
But 10 minutes into the parade, as she was surrounded by photographers and reporters, she burst into tears.
"She cried because there were a lot of people on top of her," Mr Lira said.
(This is a child and there is no-way she should be put on display for others to watch like she was an animal at some zoo. Read more on this story 7-year-old Rio queen
parades, in tears.)