Arms wide open above Rio de Janeiro, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is marking its 80th anniversary as the fifth largest of Jesus in the world and a symbol of the 2016 Olympic city.

Hundreds of worshippers celeb-rated the anniversary, along with a vigil, concerts and an eight-metre cake, a fitting tribute in Brazil, the biggest Catholic country in the world with 130 million faithful.

“The gift to Christ is the world’s most beautiful city,” Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes said. “Christ with open arms – this is how we welcome those who come to visit us.”

Celebrations began late on Tuesday with a youth vigil and an air show and included concerts.

Inaugurated in 1931, the 38-metre statue was built and designed by Brazilian architect Heitor da Silva Costa. But it was a Frenchman of Polish descent who sculpted the Christ statue’s head and hands.

With its panoramic view of the city from atop the 710-metre Corcovado hill in the Tijuca Forest, the site has become a must-see destination for over a million visitors each year.

Pope John Paul II was the first Pope to bless the city at the Christ statue’s feet in 1980. In March, US President Barack Obama made a family trip there during an official visit to Brazil.

It was declared a historical monument in 1973, and in 2007 the statue was listed as one of the new seven wonders of the world.

“It’s the most amazing thing I have ever seen,” a child said after visiting the statue with a school group.