Brazil has long been known as a country that can throw a great party as long as the guests do not mind a location that still has the builders in it.
With 100 days to go before the Olympic Games begin in Rio de Janeiro, the nation famous for doing things at the last minute faces a novel situation: The venues are ready, but the host does not appear to be.
25 Apr 2016 . Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Reuters/Ricardo Moraes
With the president fighting impeachment and the economy on track for its worst recession in more than a century, Brazilians are both angry and distracted.
25 Apr 2016 . Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Reuters/Ricardo Moraes
The venues are complete except for the velodrome, which will not be ready in time for an official test event, and the athletics stadium, where the running track is being laid. Officials say both will be finished well before the Games begin on Aug. 5.
Some 36 test events have taken place at arenas and stadiums as well as on the area's beaches and mountains.
But the deep recession has prompted last-minute cutbacks. Organizers withdrew plans for temporary seating at some venues, reduced the number of volunteers and briefly considered scrapping plans to provide athletes' rooms with air-conditioning.
The International Olympic Committee visited the city this month and expressed satisfaction with progress so far, albeit with the caveat that "thousands" of small details had to be finalised.
25 Apr 2016 . Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Reuters/Ricardo Moraes
The other big issues concern Rio itself.
The deaths of two people on a new seafront cycle lane that was touted as part of the Olympics legacy have shaken residents. The lane collapsed when a strong wave swept up the sea wall on Thursday.
Such stories may be partly responsible for slow demand for tickets, with only 62 percent sold so far, according to Phil Wilkinson, spokesman for Rio 2016 organising committee.
25 Apr 2016 . Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Reuters/Ricardo Moraes
In true Brazilian style, though, officials say they expect the Games to turn out fine.
"When the athletes arrive and sport begins, the country will get behind it, and we will see an excitable and passionate audience engage with the Games," Wilkinson said.
"We are confident that, 100 days out, we are in a good position."