U.S. mega star Madonna arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Friday to start her five concerts in Brazil.

Madonna is to stage her performances in the world-renowned Maracana stadium in Rio on Sunday and Monday.

This will be the first time that Madonna performs in the city in 15 years. After Rio, she will travel to Sao Paulo for three more concerts scheduled for Dec. 18, 20 and 21 in the Morumbi stadium.

More than 350,000 people are expected to attend Madonna's conerts in Rio and Sao Paulo.

The singer and her production crew will be staying at the world-famous Copacabana Palace Hotel until next Wednesday. The group occupied the entire sixth floor of the hotel, just as the Rolling Stones did during their last concert in the city.

A large security operation has been set for Madonna's stay in order to prevent fans from getting too close.

The singer has expressed an interest in meeting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva before the Rio concerts. The Brazilian presidency confirmed the singer's interest, but said that a meeting has yet to be scheduled.

Madonna, who travels with her three children, is expected to visit a school in neighboring Nilopolis.

Rio de Janeiro State Governor Sergio Cabral, who declared himself to be a fan of the singer, has invited Madonna to visit a social program in a slum in the city. The visit has not been confirmed.

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2008)