The Games of the XXXI Olympiad have begun. You might know it better as #Rio2016. The world's greatest multi-sport extravaganza was officially inaugurated in a glittering opening ceremony at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.

The first ever to be held in South America, the Rio Games have been beset with worries over the zika virus and lax preparation. Understandably, Brazil's budget for the opening ceremony was far less than for the grand spectacles Beijing and London had dished out in 2008 and 2012, respectively.

However, that did not mean there was a shortage of glamour. After a rendition of the Brazilian national anthem by the Brazilian singer Paulinho da Viola, the ceremony got underway with video projects offering a history lesson of sorts into the evolution of the country. The projects showcased the arrival of the Portuguese to Brazil, the Africans thereafter, and then depicted skyscrapers, symbolising Brazil's cities.

Then, supermodel Giselle Bunchen became the girl from Ipanema, sashaying across the turf to the beat of the 1960s' Brazilian nova jazz classic.

What followed after that was a bit of jolting return to reality: a short visual presentation showing the dangers of climate change and making a plea to care more about the environment. Brazil's endangered rainforests have long made ecology a key concern in the country.

The Parade of Nations followed next, possibly among the most awaited portions of the ceremony. India were led by their first individual gold medallist, shooter Abhinav Bindra, while the most decorated Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps was the flag-bearer for the contingent from the United States. The special refugee team, waving the Olympic flag, received a standing ovation.

And finally, after speeches from president of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach and Carlos Nuzman, head of the Rio 2016 committee, the flame was lit by Brazilian marathoner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima.

And of course, if it is Rio, there has to be fireworks.

Here are some of the best moments: