Christ the Redeemer ‘Floats’ in the Clouds

Brazil News

RIO DE JANEIRO – Christ the Redeemer ‘floating’ in the clouds above Rio – an illusion created by heavy fog which hit the city Saturday morning, reported Brazilian online media. The clouds changed the landscape in many parts of the city and even resulted in canceled airline flights.

Christ the Redeemer ‘Floats’ in the Clouds

Santos Dumont Airport in downtown closed for about an hour, reopening at 10:17 a.m. for takeoffs and landings, according to Infraero. During the closure, aviation officials transferred eight flights to the International Airport Antonio Carlos Jobim and canceled seven flights.

The iconic 81-year-old statue of “Cristo Redentor,” or Christ the Redeemer debuted on Oct. 12, 1931. The figure quickly became a symbol of the city, appearing on postcards and travel posters.

The 130-foot, 700-ton statue sits atop 2,329-foot Corcovado Mountain and is visible from most locations around Rio de Janeiro.

Corcovado is a “must see” for tourists visiting the city. Presidents, kings and queens, actors and pop stars all make the pilgrimage to Corcovado when visiting Rio.

Brazil hosts the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 and the FIFA World Cup 2014. Rio de Janeiro hosts the 2016 Olympics.