Traditional Samba School Will Pay Tribute To Rio Slain Councilwoman
Mangueira's Carnaval parade this year will feature Brazilian history's "B-sides" and will honor Marielle Franco, assassinated last year
Feb.18.2019 3:49PM
Ana Luiza Albuquerque
RIO DE JANEIRO
Inside Mangueira's warehouse, a large float made off with giant books stands out. One of the books is a reference to Isabel, Princess Imperial of Brazil, who signed the law emancipating all slaves in Brazil. For the act, she went down in history as "The Redemptress."
But carnival director Leandro Vieira says that Mangueira, one of the most traditional samba schools in Rio de Janeiro, will tell Brazil's "untold history" at this year's parade. That means that Princess Isabel will have her kindness put in question, along with other Brazilian historical figures.
Mangueira's parade will highlight the importance of mostly unknown heroes, especially from African or Indigenous descent. "It's a relevant topic in the current political climate," said Vieira.
Is the parade an act of resistance against president Bolsonaro? "I don't think it's the best way to describe it because it makes it seem like it's an act of propaganda," he replied. "Mangueira's parades have always been against conservatism."
More:
https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/culture/2019/02/traditional-samba-school-will-pay-tribute-to-rio-slain-councilwoman.shtml