Thousands of people spread out along the Esplanada dos Ministérios in Brasília to watch the September 7th parade, Brazil’s Independence Day, this morning. Under the strong sun and with humidity levels below 39% at 10 am, the public filled every shaded space from where they could watch the parade. traditional civic-military paradeincluding the presentation of the Smoke Squadron and the tribute to citizens, public servants and agencies working on the reconstruction of Rio Grande do Sul, recently affected by biggest climate tragedy of the country’s history.
The Military Police of the Federal District does not release an estimate of the number of people attending. But people who usually attend the event in the federal capital told Brazil Agency who had the impression that there was a smaller audience this year. They also highlighted the more diverse nature of the ceremony.
Ana Lúcia Carnaúba watches the civic-military parade on the Esplanade of Ministries – Jose Cruz/Agency Brazil
A resident of Brasília for almost 30 years, gerontologist Ana Lúcia Carnaúba is a regular at the parade, and also at the Cry of the Excludedorganized by social movements, in contrast to the official event. “In my view, [a celebração do] “Sete de Setembro had been kidnapped. Today, however, I came with great joy to see the strength and resistance of democracy”, commented Ana, for whom the celebration of the 202nd anniversary of independence is associated with the defense of national sovereignty.
“We need to realize the capacity for development, income distribution and reduction of inequalities, and all of this is represented here, on September 7th,” added the gerontologist, highlighting the diversity of the audience. “I found children, the elderly, people with disabilities, all of Brazil represented. There may even be fewer people, but it is a different concept, more diverse, more plural and less corporate.”
Street vendor Paulo Matias Figueiras said that for a few years now he has been taking advantage of the date to increase the profits he makes selling food on the streets of Sobradinho (DF). According to him, however, this year sales have been weaker. “I think there are fewer people. And, even with the heat, people are not consuming,” the street vendor explained, pointing to the Styrofoam box full of bottles of water and soft drinks.
Wilda Cheryl went to the Esplanada dos Ministérios to watch the civic-military parade on September 7th – Jose Cruz/Agency Brazil
Gabonese political science student Wilda Chery said she went to the Esplanada dos Ministérios out of curiosity about the celebration of Brazilian independence. “I watched part of the ceremony and I liked it,” said the 20-year-old, explaining that after the parade ended, she would take the opportunity to walk around and see the public buildings in the federal capital.
The couple Cezar Garcia Ferrero and Sara Barral Pinheiro arrived at the Esplanada almost at the end of the parade, with plans to extend the tour, since they intended to take their children, Maitê and Dante, to see the vehicles, aircraft, boats and military equipment up close. The exhibition, however, will be set up until tomorrow (8), at Parque da Cidade, about 4 kilometers away.
The couple Cezar Garcia Ferrero and Sara Barral Pinheiro took their two children to watch the parade – Jose Cruz/Agency Brazil
“We came to see the exhibition, but we didn’t organize ourselves properly,” commented the architect.
“Last year we came for the parade, but since there was also an exhibition, we spent more time walking around with the children, since Dante likes to watch and finds it interesting. This year, we arrived late, expecting that, but that’s okay. It’s interesting to watch the parade,” added the civil engineer.
Valdirene Soares took her niece, Lara Lustosa, 9, to watch her first parade at Esplanada. “This year I felt safe to come back and to bring her with me. I think it’s cool to participate,” commented Valdirene, saying that she hadn’t attended the event since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Lara, in turn, told reporters that she really enjoyed watching the Smoke Squadron. “Because the planes made a heart and [simularam] the plane falling.”
*Collaborated Gabriel Brum, reporter for National Radio
