RIO DE JANEIRO (EFE).- Thousands of people flocked to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro to see a gigantic, bright flying disk created by U.S. artist Peter Coffin, a piece of artwork that is part of a 48-hour marathon of cultural activities.

The disk - or saucer - called "U.F.O.," and a ski run with artificial snow set up in Botafogo were some of the 300 artistic, cultural and sports activities that captured the attention of Rio's residents on Saturday.

The aluminum saucer with its 15,000 lights and screens - which was transported by helicopter over the beaches - earlier had been exhibited at a fair in the Polish city of Gdansk.

The best images collected of the disk, taken with mobile telephones and camaras, will be exhibited later in the Brazilian capital after the saucer has ended its tour of the country, which started at the Jacarepagua airport and so far has taken it over the beaches at Barra da Tijuca, Sao Conrado, Leblon, Ipanema, Copacabana, Leme, Botafogo and Flamengo. EFE