Brazil ignites the samba spirit! Rio Olympics is off with a bang but only after opening ceremony with empty seats, climate change lectures and ugly protests outside

Rio's Olympic Games have officially begun after Friday night's Opening Ceremony at Maracana Stadium
The celebration of Brazilian culture featured Gisele, carnival-style dancing and an elaborate light display
Many were left unimpressed by the cut-price ceremony - which cost just a tenth of London's in 2012
Others were furious about the money spent on the Olympics during Brazil's worst recession in recent years
The 80,000 seater stadium had row after row of empty seats and fans were asked to help make noise
Pele was due to light the cauldron but had to pull out due to bad health so it fell to Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima
The loudest cheers came for teams including the USA, led by Michael Phelps, the most-decorated Olympian
Brazilian police and soldiers threw a ring of steel around the Maracana Stadium for the start of the Games
But there were ugly scenes outside as police fire tear gas at protesters furious at the Games and the president

By Nick Fagge and Shekhar Bhatia and Ben Ashford and Ruth Styles In Rio De Janeiro For Dailymail.com and Hannah Parry For Dailymail.com

Published: 21:54 GMT, 5 August 2016 | Updated: 10:03 GMT, 6 August 2016

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Rio's Olympic Games have officially begun after Friday's Opening Ceremony - a celebration of Brazilian culture featuring Gisele, carnival-style dancing and an elaborate light display.

But many were left unimpressed by the cut-price ceremony - which cost just a tenth of London's in 2012, branding it 'boring'.

Others were furious that the money had been spent on the Olympics during Brazil's worst recession in recent years.

That anger erupted into protests outside the stadium as demonstrators, also frustrated over the presence of Brazil's acting president Michel Temer, clashed with police who used tear gas on the protesters.

Inside the stadium, others showed their anger through the thousands of seats left unsold as the Opening Ceremony began.

The 80,000-seater Maracana Stadium was less than two thirds full when the lights went down. A Brazilian presenter told the audience: 'We are 60,000 people soon to be joined by three billion' on TV. Twenty minutes before the world tuned in, many of the seats of the 'sold out' show remained empty.

Brazilian marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima, who was famously attacked during a 2004 marathon by a spectator, lights the Olympic flame to bring the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to an end

Soccer star Pele was due to light the cauldron as the climax of the show but had to pull due to poor health

The Brazilian marathon runner, de Lima, carries the Olympic flame up the stairs towards the cauldron during the opening ceremony

Brazilian marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima holds up the Olympic flame to the crowd of tens of thousands before lighting the cauldron

Brazilian tennis player Gustavo Kuerten (left) brought the flame into the stadium and passed it to 1996 Olympic women’s basketball silver medalist Hortência Marcari (right) who gave it to de Lima.

Kipchoge Keino, hairman of the Kenyan Olympic Committee, lifts the Olympic Laurel Trophy at the end of the Opening Ceremony

Fireworks are seen during the Opening ceremony for Rio 2016 Olympic games at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 5, 2016

Fireworks explode at the culmination of the opening ceremony on Friday night - officially kicking off the Games

The Rio Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, at Maracana Stadium, came to a close with a spectacular fireworks display

Fireworks explode over the Maracana stadium during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro

Fireworks explode to form the Olympic Rings during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

People watch fireworks exploding over the Maracana stadium, from the favela Mangueira, during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Spectators watch the end of the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro

Olympic rings are formed with sprouting seed boxes during the ceremony - another nod to this year's focus on climate change

Soldiers hoist the Olympic flag during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, August 5, 2016

Samba school dancers show off their moves during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

The dancers donned elaborate and colorful costumes for their performance at the end of the night

The skimpy outfits, which resemble those worn at Rio's Carnival, were worn by dancers in the final display of the night

Samba schools's most talented performers danced during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Members of a Samba school enter the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana Stadium

Scores of dancers and drummers from various Samba Schools joined the stage in a rainbow of different colors

Dancers in bright pink and blue costumes showed off their skills during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Confetti falls from the ceiling onto the dancers down below at the end of the ceremony

Drummers in green makeup and costumes joined in with the festivities during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A woman, wearing a giant lilac dress waves the flag of her samba school at the event

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Dancers pose for pictures as athletes snap photos of them during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A huge procession of samba dancers walk into the stadium for the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio

Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana stadium

The cauldron bearing the Flame burns during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro

The cauldron is mounted on a giant sun sculpture bearing which moves with the lit flame

Fireworks explode over the Olympic cauldron with the Olympic Flame during the opening ceremony

Most of the Rio Olympic Opening Ceremony's tight budget was spent on a high-tech splurge for the show's video projections.

At one point, the entire of the stadium was transformed into an otherworldly landscape as huge moving sculptures of bugs moved across the floor.

At another, the stadium became a forest floor and people of the native tribes of Brazil, in traditional dress, performed a choreographed dance with the fibre optic lights to recreate tribal art.

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen took to the stage stage as 'The Girl from Ipanema' played during the opening ceremony while the event also saw performances from 12-year-old Brazilian rapper MC Soffia.

A speech on climate change - one of the themes of this year's events - was also delivered during the ceremony.

While Brazil's controversial interim President Michel Temer gave an address at the Opening Ceremony.

Organizers were allegedly expecting him to be booed to planned to play loud music and fireworks immediately afterwards to drown out any negative reaction.

The Olympic Cauldron is lit at the Olympic Boulevard for the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games on August 5

Brazil interim President Michel Temer, whose presence has sparked furious protests, gave an address at the Opening Ceremony

The Olympic flag was carried into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

The Olympic flag was carried onto the stage in the stadium and raised by members of the military

Soccer star Pele had be scheduled to light the cauldron as the climax of the show but was forced to pull out due to poor health.

Instead, the ceremony ended with Brazilian marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima lighting the cauldron to officially start the Rio Olympic Games 2016.

De Lima is not a gold medalist or a Brazilian champion. Instead his claim to fame was during the 2004 Athens Olympics where he was leading the marathon when he was attacked by a spectator. The incident saw him finish third in the race.

Brazilian tennis player Gustavo Kuerten brought the flame into the stadium and passed it to 1996 Olympic women’s basketball silver medalist Hortência Marcari who gave it to de Lima.

The cauldron was set in a beautiful sun sculpture powered by the flame.

Fireworks erupted from the stadium while scores of samba dances paraded through the stadium, carnival-style.

Opinion was divided on the success of the ceremony, which had just a $3 million budget. Some praised it for its simple celebration of Brazilian culture.

But others criticized the event as 'boring' compared to the spectacular events at Danny Boyle’s London ceremony or Beijing’s incredible 2008 show.

One Twitter user said: 'Boring execution, loads of empty seats & false claims of being first in something. Is this Rio's opening ceremony or Rutgers Football?'

Kirsten Haglund added: 'Sad to think how much money went into this boring #OpeningCeremony that could have gone to the people of #Rio.'

Michael Phelps carried the flag of the United States during the Olympic Opening Ceremony 2016 which kicked off in Rio on Friday night

Flagbearer Michael Phelps (USA) of United States of America leads his contingent during the opening ceremony

Team United States arrives during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

Phelps, a 22-time Olympic medal winning swimmer, waved the flag during the welcoming of the athletes

The team, wearing the red, white and blue of their flag, marched into the stadium during the ceremony

Tennis star Andy Murray leads out Team GB during the Rio Olympic Games 2016, waving the British flag

Murray waved at the crowd as he led the British Olympic team through the stadium at the welcoming of the athletes

The British team, led by Andy Murray, walked past teams of countries from all over the world during the ceremony

Members of the Australia team take part in the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium

Another tennis player, Rafael Nadal, was the flag bearer for Spain and led the Spanish team during the ceremony

The Spanish team, wearing red and navy suits and white hats, were led through the stadium by Rafael Nadal

The Spanish player gave a wave to the tens of thousands of spectators who turned out to watch the Opening Ceremony

The Spanish team appeared in high spirits as they marked into the stadium, many raising their hats to the crowd

Tennis champion Caroline Wozniacki was the flag bearer for Denmark at the 2016 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Caroline Wozniacki carries the flag of Denmark during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday

Pita Nikolas Aufatofua carried the flag of Tonga during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Taufatofua's muscular oiled chest sparked a flurry of interest on social media as fans swooned over the Tonga athlete

The very excitable members of the Brazil team take part during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016

The Brazilian athletes, wearing navy blazers and straw boaters, were led through the stadium by flag bearer, pentathlete Yane Marques

Members of the Brazilian delegation cheered during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Team Brazil ran into the stadium towards the end of the Rio 2016 Olympic Opening Ceremony

The team waved their hats in the air as they walked to take their place on the stage at the ceremony

Runner Rose Lokonyen Nathike carries the flag of the Refugee Olympic Team during the opening ceremony

The team of ten Refugee Athletes - representing the world's stateless competitors - also got a huge cheer during the ceremony

Team China walks in the arena during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro waving both Brazilian and Chinese flags

Flagbearer Bongil Gu of South Korea led his contingent of teammates during the opening ceremony

Mijain Nunez Lopez carries the flag of Cuba during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics

Ali Al-thani of Qatar leads his contingent during the opening ceremony as a cyclist goes ahead bearing a sign with the name of the country

Athletes are introduced during the opening ceremony at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday

Teams of athletes from across the world enter the stadium as part of the welcoming of the athletes during the ceremony

Following Brazil's display, came the welcoming of the athletes as competitors from all over the world took to the stadium waving their country's flags.

Around 45 minutes into the welcoming of the athletes, the US team led by record Olympic medalist Michael Phelps were introduced.

The crowd gave the Americans one of the loudest cheers of the night. Many of the athletes danced along to the music, took selfies and waved back at the crowd.

Tennis champion Andy Murray was flag bearer for Team GB while fellow tennis star Rafael Nadal led the Spanish team.

Meanwhile Australia, one of the only teams who boycotted the Olympic Village over hygiene and safety concerns, almost missed their slot after their bus to the stadium was delayed by protests.

Sprinter Usain Bolt, who was due to be flag bearer for Team Jamaica, revealed that he would not be able to make this year's opening ceremony.

The Brazilian team made an exuberant entrance, dressed in navy blazers and straw boaters, led by their flag bearer - pentathlete Yane Marques, followed by the reflective metal stands at the ceremony - which many have mocked online as looking like 'cheese graters.'

The team of ten Refugee Athletes - representing the world's stateless competitors - also got a huge cheer during the ceremony.

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen took to the stage stage as 'The Girl from Ipanema' played during the opening ceremony

The model, who is Brazilian, flew back to her home country to appear at the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen (C) celebrated during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

The 35-year-old supermodel appeared to enjoy the show as she was photographed cheering from the crowd

The star, who wore a stunning silver dress, was one of many celebrities and high profile people at the event

The celebrities were also out at the event including 12-year-old Brazilian rapper MC Soffia who performed

Tennis stars Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Rafael Nadal of Spain snapped a picture together during the ceremony

The athletes, who fled the likes of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Syria compete under the Olympic flag.

But acting President Michel Miguel Temer, whose presence has sparked fury among many spectators and protesters, was booed loudly as he spoke to welcome the world to the Games.

Outside the stadium, in the rundown shabby apartment blocks directly overlooking the Maracana residents rushed out of their balconies in a moment of furious defiance, banging pots and pans and chanting 'Fora Temer' (Temer Out).

Their cries were echoed on the streets by haggles of locals and drivers responded by honking their horns in solidarity.

Similar outbursts were reported across pockets of the city. In the bars of Rio's Humaita neighborhood locals jeered the embattled interim President whenever he appeared on TV.

Chants demanding his resignation could even be heard over the sound of dance music in the tourist hotspot of Copacabana.

Great Britain flag bearer Andy Murray leads out Team GB during the Rio Olympic Games 2016 Opening Ceremony

Great Britain Flag Bearer Andy Murray flashed his legs, along with the rest of the Team GB in white shorts, blue jackets and red shoes

The British team will be looking to go home with gold during the Olympics which officially kicked off during the ceremony

Team Jamaica were in high spirits during the opening ceremony - despite their most celebrated athlete Usain Bolt not being able to attend

Team Jamaica, wearing yellow, black and green, were led by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who carried her country's flag

The Indonesia delegation enter the field wearing elaborately patterned suits during the Opening Ceremony

Team Cameroon marches in the arena during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Track and field star Angela Castro of Bolivia leads her team, waving the Bolivian flag, into the Maracana Stadium

Fencing star and China flagbearer Sheng Le takes part in the opening ceremony at Rio de Janiero

Flag bearer, table tennis player Timo Boll of Germany carries the German flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

Timo Boll carries the flag of Germany during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

Teddy Riner carries the flag of France during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics

Team Slovakia arrives during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

Mohammad Rahman carries the flag of Bangladesh (left) while Ramon Gittens carries the flag of Barbados (right) during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

If the Opening ceremony was meant to entertain, it also served to lecture the world on climate change and saving the planet.

Brazil used the ceremony to celebrate what it said was the 'biggest garden in the world', a reference to the Amazon which cuts a swathe through the country.

Its opening message stated: ‘Promoting world peace is the basis of the Olympic spirit. Today there is an urgent need to also promote peace with the planet.

REFUGEE OLYMPIC TEAM 2016

Rami Anis (left), Syria, swimming — Yiech Pur Biel (right), South Sudan, athletics, 800m

James Nyang Chiengjiek (left), South Sudan, athletics, 400m — Yonas Kinde (right), Ethiopia, athletics, marathon

Anjelina Nada Lohalith (left), South Sudan, athletics, 1500m — Rose Nathike Lokonyen (right), South Sudan, athletics, 800m

Paulo Amotun Lokoro (left), South Sudan, athletics, 1500m — Yolande Bukasa Mabika (right), Democratic Republic of the Congo, judo, 70kg

Yusra Mardini (left), Syria, swimming — Popole Misenga (right), Democratic Republic of the Congo, judo, 90kg

‘Climate change and the depletion of natural resources need our attention and the Olympic Opening Ceremony is a wonderful opportunity to shed light on this subject.

‘Brazil, with the largest forest and the largest reserve of biodiversity on the planet, is the right place for this message to be spread. It is not enough to stop harming the planet, it is time to begin healing it.

‘This will be our Olympic message: Earthlings, let’s replant, let’s save the planet.’

Rio has a problem with rising floodwaters and a video played to the stadium also focused in on how important trees are to the environment, noting how trees can even delay global warming.

Tyrone Smith waves the flag of Bermuda during the opening ceremony at Rio Maracena Stadium on Friday

Rosannagh Maclennan carries the flag of Canada in front of dozens of her countrymen during the Opening Ceremony

Australian flag bearer Anna Meares leading the precession of Australian athletes during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

The Australian walked past performers from different countries as she proudly waved her flag

Luis Scola carries the flag of Argentina (left) and Olivia Borlee (right) carries the flag of Belgium during the opening ceremon

Embarrassingly spectators were asked to make animal noises to create more noise and to use their phones to help illuminate the seating areas as part of the performance.

It was a stark contrast to the incredible Beijing and London ceremonies.

Brazilian organizers had already made excuses for the lackluster ceremony saying money worries had added to their burden.

Outside the stadium, the thousands of fans streaming into the Maracana Stadium for the ceremony were guarded by almost as many heavily-armed police and soldiers.

A massive security operation is under way to keep the Olympics Opening Ceremony safe - as Rio finally begins to party.

Most of the tight budget for the Rio Olympic ceremony has been spent on a high-tech splurge for the show's video projections

The stadium became a forest floor and people of the native tribes of Brazil, in traditional dress, performed a choreographed dance with the fibre optic lights to recreate tribal art.

Lit in green, the dancers represented the hundreds of tribes that popular the Amazon rainforest in Brazil

The Olympic Opening Ceremony 2016 kicked off in Rio on Friday night with a stunning celebration of Brazilian culture

A moving dance with performers acting out a represention of the African slaves brought over to Brazil

The dancers are just a few of the 500 performers at the Opening Ceremony on Friday night for the Rio Olympics - the first time the Olympics has been held in a South American country

An elaborate set reveals the densely populated areas around Brazil as dancers climbed up and down ladders

The ceremony also celebrated the diverse mix of cultures that make up Brazil today - including Japanese immigrants

The melting pot has led to what they describe as a 'patchwork country' which is represented here

The Olympic Opening Ceremony 2016 kicked off in Rio on Friday night with a stunning celebration of Brazilian culture

At one point, the entire of the stadium was transformed into an otherworldly landscape as huge moving sculptures of bugs moved across the floor

This creature, carried by a group of dancers in white boiler suits, scurried across the floor of the stadium

In another, a crab-like creature moves across the floor which has been transformed into a desert landcape

The words 'Rio' are shown in a firework disoplay above the stadium, while below the dancers perform

The Olympic Opening Ceremony 2016 kicked off in Rio on Friday night with a stunning celebration of Brazilian culture

Performers danced during the Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Maracana Stadium on August 5

Performers, dressed in silver and waving silver flags, created geometric patterns on the floor at the beginning of the opening ceremony

The opening ceremony at Maracana Stadium created a stunning spectacle - part of the story of Brazil's history which is told through the performance

IOC President Thomas Bach, front row ninth left, and other dignitaries stand during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics

Tens of thousands of fans streaming into the Maracana Stadium for the ceremony were guarded by almost as many heavily-armed police and soldiers.

The country's government is determined Rio will not be hit by disorder or terrorism - with the Olympics being held in a country racked by recession, politically divided by the explosive impeachment of its president, and fearful of the first Games held in the shadow of Isis.

But as fans arrived at the stadium they were determined not to be put off from enjoying the spectacle.

Supporters from New Zealand, the USA, Argentina and Colombia have traveled across the globe to cheer in their teams.

Meanwhile 5,000 volunteers, 500 musicians and 200 professional dancers took part in the celebration of Brazilian culture - watched by an estimated three billion people on Television and 50,000 people in the stadium.

The three hour spectacle featured Brazilian music, including the samba and drumming made famous by Rio de Janeiro's Carnival celebrations, and all artists agreed to perform without pay.

Rafael Teixeira, 36, who works for a pharmaceutical company, was at the ceremony with his wife and two young children.

A Rio resident, he returned to Brazil three months ago from the United States with his job.

Dancers flooded into the center of the stadium as spectators were treated to an impressive firework display

A huge firework display, spelling out the name of the city 'Rio' in lights began the Olympic Opening Ceremony

Fireworks exploded from the stadium as the Opening Ceremony for Rio Olympics 2016 kicked off

Supporters from New Zealand, the USA, Argentina and Colombia have traveled across the globe to cheer in their teams ayt the stadium lit up by fireworks

He said the many unsold seats was a consequence of organisers' greed in selling tickets at a price most Brazilians cannot afford.

He said: 'You see that most people here are either foreigners or white Brazilians. They should have made the event more social and inclusive by helping ordinary Brazilians on a normal wage to join in.

'We paid 9,000 reals in total, that is that same as a year's wage for people earning a minimum salary.

'I know people who bought lots of tickets to resell, like they did in the World Cup, but this time they couldn't sell them. People these days don't have as much money to spend.'

He said he was pleased with the ceremony. He said: 'I was worried things would go wrong, but like everything in Brazil it always works out in the end.

'The presentation was low profile, but I prefer that rather than being extravagant and big budget, at this time of economic crisis.

'It was very carnival style, lots of music, dancing and improvisation.'

The Olympics have started in Rio with Gisele the star, but with thousands of empty seats (pictured) at the Opening Ceremony

The 80,000 seater stadium had row after row of empty seats and fans were asked to help make noise

Empty seats for these from inside the up to $3,000 a seat section reveal the difficulty Rio Olympics organizers had with filling seats for the event

Other Brazilians chose to stay away in protest over the expenditure over the games and the presence of Temer

Many of Brazil's citizens, angered at economic strife, voted to stay away from its much lauded Olympics Opening ceremony (pictured are the empty seats as the stadium filled for the ceremony)

The 80,000-seater stadium was less than two thirds full when the lights went down on Friday evening

Embarrassingly spectators were asked to make animal noises to create more noise and to use their phones to help illuminate the seating areas as part of the performance

The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro began slowly filling up ahead of this evenings opening ceremony

Brazil has struggled to sell seats for the prestigious opening ceremony with many left unfilled by the time the ceremony got underway

The Official Rio Twitter account posted this picture with the caption: 'Look closely. This will be the last time you see this stadium empty today. #Maracaña #OpeningCeremony'

Twenty minutes before the world tuned in, many of the seats of the 'sold out' show remained empty

Tens of thousands of fans streaming into the Maracana Stadium for the ceremony were guarded by almost as many heavily-armed police and soldiers (pictured is the stadium seen lit up at night for the ceremony)

The three Brazilian filmmakers and creative minds behind Friday's ceremony were Daniela Thomas, a filmmaker, executive producer Marco Balich and Andrucha Waddington, another film director.

'I think it is very right for this moment in Brazil and the world not to have a big show and opulent ceremony,' said executive producer Balich of the budget ceremony.

In studying past opening ceremonies, the filmmakers said they would get depressed watching the 2008 spectacle in Beijing, an event that raised the bar for host cities due to its sheer scale and precision.

But they said nothing could compare to the Brazilian soul of their show.

Proud mother Sally Pendergast spent her life savings to help her daughter Grace compete in the Woman's Eight Rowing event.

A woman is helped after she collapsed due to tear gas used by riot police to clear a protest against the Rio's 2016 Summer Olympics

A protester was pictured setting fire to an Olympic T-Shirt during a protest near the Maracana stadium

Anger over the Games sparked protests across Brazil including this demonstration in the city of Sao Paulo

Protesters in Sao Paulo were rounded up and surrounded by police, who were wearing riot gear and had helmets and shields

Two Brazilian police officers arrest one of the protesters during a march against the money spent on the Rio's 2016 Summer Olympics

Demonstrators and police clashed in the streets of Sao Paulo - miles away from where the Opening Ceremony was underway

Hundreds of people protested against the Olympic event and the interim Government of Michel Temer, on the day of the inauguration

One protester held up Olympic rings with a slogan which translates as 'Temer out!' - referring to interim Brazilian president Michel Temer in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Hundreds protested against the Olympic event and the interim Government of Michel Temer, on the day of the ceremony

Another protester held up signs which demanded 'Temer out!' and read 'Support democracy in Brazil'

Mobbed: Scores of protesters surged forward as the official motorcade passed along the front of the Copacabana Beach quarter

Sally, 52, from Christchurch, said: 'I'm here with my daughter and my son to cheer on Grace in the Woman's Eight Rowing. We've spent our life savings to get here but its the first time a woman's rowing team has made it to the Olympics so we had to come.'

Sally is traveling with daughter Matilda, 25, son Sam, 21 and best friends Virginia and Jaimee.

Thrilled fans had poured into Rio's iconic Maracana on Friday afternoon ready to roar on Team USA.

And they were given an unexpected bonus when their heroes sped past on fleet of buses waving and giving the thumbs up before heading past the columns of police and security and into the depths of the stadium.

'Americans are the greatest' said Stephen Arifin, 22, as he his friends roared with approval.

'They are nice guys, just like normal people. It's great to see them getting into the spirit.'

Despite the tight security and 500-ft lines, visitors to South America's most famous sporting venue waved flags energetically, posed for pictures and broke into chants of 'USA' as they streamed into the entrances.

Massive security presence: This was the scene as spectators started arriving at the Maracana Stadium for the Opening Ceremony

Show of force: Brazil's army has deployed thousands of troops to back up police around the stadium and the other Olympic venues over fears of protests and terrorism

I'm with them: A sports fan sneaked a selfie as columns of Brazilian soldiers stood guard outside the Maracana Stadium

Here it comes: Two Team USA fans were early arrivals in the Maracana Stadium for the Opening Ceremony

Waiting for the start: The scene from above the Maracana with less than two hours to go till the Opening Ceremony

Almost there: Shortly after sunset the spectators began to take their seats in readiness for the opening ceremony

Writer Ryan Lucchesi paid $500 for tickets for himself and his wife Megan, 34, an attorney.

The pair were head to toe in red, white and blue and held aloft a American flag to show their love for Team US.

'I love the Olympics and I've wanted to visit Rio so this is a dream for me - I feel like a big kid,' said Ryan, 34, from Fresno, California.

'I'm excited to cheer on the American team and the hometown guys from Brazil when they walk in. If it's possible to be as loud as my outfit, I will give it a good go.'

Megan, 34, added: 'I'm expecting color, passion - that Brazilian spirit that you can't find anywhere else on earth.'

Angel Bondurant, 45, a registered nurse from San Francisco, grinned from ear to ear as locals lined up to take pics of her in a racy Stars and Stripes dress.

'The people have been so welcoming,' she said. 'I cannot wait to see the Samba dancers.

'There is a lot of security but that doesn't put me off. It doesn't feel like the Third World, it feels completely safe.

Some complained that the Opening Ceremony was 'boring' compared to recent event in London and Beijing

'Thankfully the mosquitoes never showed up.'

Angel flew into Rio with her daughter Vivien Muth, 28, also a nurse.

'I want to see colors, samba, the energy of Brazil. It's such a unique place,' she said.

Brett Miller, 46, an architect from Denver, Colorado, brought his two daughters Jessie, 14, Zoe, 17, and wife, Heather Taussig, 46, on the holiday of a lifetime to Brazil.

He laughed off suggestions the show might be a little steamy for his youngest daughter

'I think I heard Simon Cowell say on TV the other day 'everybody needs a bit of nasty', he joked. 'Seriously it will be an incredible cultural interchange. I can't wait.'

Zoe said she would be cheering on 'like crazy' when Missy Franklin, a swimmer from Denver, takes to the field.

Heather said she would probably shed a tear when she catches a glimpse of Team USA gymnast Simone Biles.

'She is such an amazing young woman,' she said. 'She grew up in foster care. She inspires a lot of young wome

Taking no chances: At the immediate entrance to the Maracana, police equipped for riots watched a formation of heavily-armed soldiers walk past

On guard: The Brazilian military has deployed on a massive scale because of a combination of security fears around terror, crime and disorder

Protests expected: As well as concerns over terrorism, there is also fear of anti-Olympics and anti-government demonstrations turning violent, prompting police to wear protective gear

Locked and loaded: Members of the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro State who specialize in public order are on guard outside the Maracana

Taking no chances: An army armored personnel carrier leads a convoy of military vehicles past the Maracana Stadium

Here for the sport: A Team USA fan made his way into the Maracana past a riot-equipped Brazilian police officer and in front of one of the water cannon being kept in reserve in case of disorder

No terror fears: David, 32, an accountant from Orange Co, CA, Darin, 37, also from Orange Co, CA, and Damian, from Michigan said they were only in Rio for the sportd

David, 32, an accountant from Orange Co, CA, said: 'I'm here for the Olympics, nothing else. I'm not here for sightseeing, swimming, just the sports. I am particularly interested in the basketball. They are going to win gold, in fact it would be a disgrace if they did not win gold!'

Darin, 37, also from Orange Co, CA, added: 'Thus is my second Olympics. I was at London and now here. I want to see Michael Phelps pick up some more medals. He's my hero.'

Damian, from Michigan said: 'I really like the athletics - the 100m, 200m, hurdles - it's so fast and exciting.'

Sailor Fabio, 49, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, said the Olympic Games was a symbol of world unity and peace.

Indira, 37, a psychiatrist, from Cartagena, Colombia, said it was all about sport.

She said: 'I love the athletics - the 100m, 200m and the triple jump!'

Other fans at the Boulevard Olimpico included Ruzbeh Shokramian, 32, a Brazilian who lives in Washington DC.

'I came to Rio to watch the Olympics and see family,' said Shokramian, who arrived in the country last Thursday.

I'm going to watch beach volleyball, rowing and the horse riding. I'm a rower myself so I'm really interested in that and of course I'll be supporting Brazil.'

Kirsty and Matt Hardman, from Fakenham,Norfolk in the UK, who are celebrating their first wedding anniversary at the opening of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games

The couple, both teachers, 31, painted the British flag across their faces and carried flags which also celebrated their anniversary

German fans have their photo taken before the opening ceremony in flower garlands made up of their flag colors

A fan holds the US flag outside the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro while a Brazil fan paints his flag on his face

A Colombian performed tricks with a ball outside Maracana Stadium ahead of the opening ceremony

Fan zone near Port Maua Boulevard Olimpico fans gathered early before the ceremony miles away at the Maracana stadium

Fan zone near Port Maua Boulavard Olimpico fans gathered early before the ceremony began

Fan zone near Port Maua Boulavard Olimpico fans gather early before the ceremony begins miles away at the Maracana stadium

A woman, in an elaborate green and gold costume, held a dummy in matching clothes, as she waited for the ceremony

A crowd gathered at a fan zone near Port Maua Boulevard Olimpico ahead of the ceremony

A spectator walked to his seat, past an illuminated Olympic rings during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro

Asked for his thoughts on the Olympics he said: 'It's wonderful - I'm really enjoying it.'

Swimming fans from China told how they hoped to see their national pin-up Ningzetao.

Nicole,25, from Suzhou, said: 'I'm so excited to be here it's a dream come true.'

Shoushou , 22, from Shenzen, added: 'We are all here for the swimmer Ningzetao!'

In Rio earlier, the route of the Olympic torch was diverted because of anti-government protests at Copacabana Beach.

At one point the protesters rushed an official motorcade, wrongly thinking its was the widely-unpopular president's limousine.

That led to fears of the Opening Ceremony being hit too.

Michel Temer is standing in for Dilma Rousseff, the elected president who is currently about to go on impeachment trial. But he is widely accused of having brought about her fall leading to Temer being the focus of protests.

Brazil is currently in the midst of its worst recession since the 1930s, with much of the blame laid at the door of Rousseff and her predecessor, Luiz Inácio 'Lula' da Silva.

Both have also been implicated in a corruption scandal at state oil company PetroBras.

Rousseff now faces impeachment proceedings, with her trial slated to begin a week after the Games close.

As well as protests, the Olympics have also been plagued with concerns over the slow pace of construction, with one key venue still unfinished at the start of the week.

Flag-waving: Sally Pendergast, 52 (center) from Christchurch has flown from New Zealand to support her daughter Grace who is a rower, along with friends and family

Local spirit: At the Port Maua Boulevard in the city a fan zone has been set up to allow people to watch the ceremony and cheer events throughout the two weeks of the Games

Getting into the spirit: A concert venue and big screen form the centerpiece of the fan zone in Port Maua

Swimming fans from China told how they hoped to see their national pin-up Ningzetao. Nicole,25, from Suzhou, said: 'I'm so excited to be here it's a dream come true.' Shoushou , 22, from Shenzen, added: 'We are all here for the swimmer Ningzetao!'

At the Lagoa Stadium, which will host the rowing and canoeing, an overseer told Daily Mail Online that she was concerned work would not be complete by the time competition starts.

Security has also proved a concern, with a number of thefts reported in the Athletes' Village over the past week – including the loss of the British swimmers' kit and an iPad stolen from a member of the Danish team.

Organizers fear that Brazilians angry at their politicians will jeer and catcall them during the four-hour curtain-raiser for the Games.

The country's interim president, Temer, will be protected from embarrassing jeering with a plan in place to disguise the negative response from reaching the ears of an estimated one billion global TV audience.

Earlier this week, Mario Baluch, the executive producer of the ceremony, said few people remembered who political leaders were at opening ceremonies.

He said: 'We have to celebrate Rio, not celebrate political involvement. You don't remember who was the president [at ceremonies] you remember Muhammad Ali lighting the torch [in Atlanta] or the archer who lit the flame at Barcelona.'

And there is substantial anti-Olympic feeling, with resentment at the Games' cost at a time of austerity.

Divert: The route which was supposed to be along the entire front of the Copacabana Beach, was hastily redrawn to avoid demonstrators

Coca-Cola Olympic Torch Bearer (and big brother) Cody Simpson hands the torch to his little sister Alli prior to her Olympic Torch run through Rio de Janeiro

Cody Simpson lit little sister Alli's Olympic torch for her run through Rio de Janeiro today in the run up to the ceremony

Baluch said the ceremony would reflect those pressures.

'This is not an opulent event given the economic situation in Brazil.

'It does not have the grandiosity of Beijing, the huge special effects of Athens, the eccentricity and technological skills of London.

'But it is still an absolutely fantastic show.' The organisers admit that many athletes will not be able to take part due to their sporting and training commitments.

Baluch added: 'It is all about the athletes – if they cannot make it, they will miss the show of their lives.'

Organizers denied reports that loud music would be played to drown out any booing.

Artistic director Fernando Meirelles admitted London 2012's magnificent production by Danny Boyle and Paulette Randall was a 'tough act to follow' while Beijing's opener in 2008 was one of the best he had ever seen.

Organizers: Marcdo Balich (left), the show's executive producer, and Fernado Meirelles (right), its creative director, faced slashed budgets and being overshadowed by the political climate in putting together the ceremony