Brazilians come together to mark an important holiday.
“There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky,
And you ask "What if I fall?"
Oh but my darling,
What if you fly?”
Brazil is a favorite destination for many tourists. The South American giant is one of the most visited nations on earth. Brazil is famous for its beaches, music and football. Every year, people gather to celebrate the declaration of the republic on the 15th of November. This day is a constant reminder of how Brazil overcame slavery and injustice. Keep reading to learn more about Brazil’s Republic Day.
Contents
A look In the History Book
Brazil was declared an empire in 1822 under military commandment by Brazil’s first emperor “Don Pedro I”. This man freed Brazil from the Portuguese colonization that lasted from 1500 to 1815.
But in 1831, his five-year-old son “Don Pedro II” took over the empire. The years of “Don Pedro II” weren’t that kind for poor people in Brazil. As Brazil suffered from slavery. The upper classes argued that slavery was essential to the foundation of the Empire and its success.
Fall of the Empire and Rise of the Republic
Over the years the Emperor had the upper hand in quieting the revolutions against him. In 1889, Marshal “Deodoro da Fonseca” -who was a popular hero among Brazil’s citizens and soldiers- overthrew “Dom Pedro II” and his daughter Princess “Isabel” -the rightful heir to the empire- by a bloodless military coup on November the 15th, freeing his people, providing equal opportunities for all citizens and establishing the federal republic.
Current Times
Brazilians consider November the 15th a glorious day in the history of Brazil. They believe that the day Brazil became a republic is a day of victory to justice, equality and human rights. The 15th of November is an official holiday in Brazil. It’s a day off for the people, schools, businesses and public services.
The streets get flooded by festive parades and proud people all dressed up in the yellow-green famous Brazilian colors. You can’t un-see the national flag flying in all the streets, flapping to the beats of the drums while the people are chanting and dancing to songs of liberty.
Men of power and public figures have their fair share of public appearances and speeches that reassure the people about the continued advancement of equal employment opportunity and equality in general.
Everything “Republic”!
Brazil had always glorified being a republic. After the proclamation of the republic in 1889, “Effigy of the republic” -which was a Roman lady wearing a bay leaves tiara symbolizing republic- became an important symbol of the newly formed republic of Brazil. Effigy also appears on the “real”. The “real” is the official currency in Brazil.
