Tens of thousands of people attended the inauguration, which Mr da Silva, known widely as Lula, described as a "party for the people".

The party atmosphere was obvious from the very beginning.

Brazilians came from all over the country to welcome the new president.

Distinguished guests included the beleaguered Venezuelan president.

Among others, Lula has championed the rights of native Brazilians [photo: AP].

Lula arrived for the ceremony in an open-topped Rolls Royce.

Some people were prepared to do anything to get a better view [photo: AP].

Lula took office as Congress President Ramez Tebet looked on.

He used his inauguration speech to call for radical change.