The 2016 summer Olympic Games have officially begun.
The spectacular four-hour-long opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium was a celebration of Brazil's diversity set against a backdrop of samba, bossa nova and funk.
A smiling Andy Murray led Team GB in the athletes parade, while the Olympic cauldron was lit by Brazilian runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima.
Protesters were tear gassed during clashes with riot police just hours before the Olympic opening ceremony in the latest of a series of angry demonstrations around the Rio Games.
Thousands of police had to escort the Olympic torch on its journey to the stadium as demonstrations threatened to overshadow tonight's grand ceremony, reports ITV News Correspondent John Ray.
Protesters blocked the path of the torch relay as they accused the government of ignoring political and economic crises within Brazil.
Among those chanting angrily on the streets were supporters of Brazil's ousted left-wing president and campaigners highlighting the deep split between rich and poor amid a serious recession.
"In the real Rio de Janeiro that is not on the postcards people are angry because we have a lot lacking and the government is choosing to not see," said student protest leader Gabriel de Melo.
At Copacabana beach the Olympic party was forced to dodge protests by extinguishing the iconic torch and hiding the flame in a small lamp.
However, the calls for change might be harder to avoid.
The proceedings saw a joyful celebration of Brazilian diversity and Carnival traditions married with a serious environmental message.
The Olympic Games has a long history of dramatic, emotional and inspirational moments.
Some three billion people are expected to watch on TV, with 50,000 spectators, 11,000 athletes and dozens of heads of state at the stadium.