Brazil takes its kite-flying passion to a whole new level
During the pandemic, Brazilians took even greater interest in kite flying, a popular pastime considered by some as sport. But there is also a dark side.
The World
September 27, 2021 · 1:15 PM EDT
By Michael Fox
On a late afternoon in a working class neighborhood in the north of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, dozens of teenage boys dart across a huge abandoned field, dragging on seemingly endless lines of string.
Far above them, their kites dance and jerk in the sky, appearing as tiny butterflies, fluttering, or sharks swimming back and forth against a setting sun.
The boys kite-fight with the aim of cutting an opponents string first, using a special glass powder on the strings to sharpen them. Last kite in the sky wins. Each time a kite falls, the teens run to catch it.
Kite flying is not just a family activity in Brazil, its a passionate battle. Today, its considered one of Brazils most popular sports that is, after soccer. As the pandemic forced people to socially isolate, schools were out and unemployment rose. As a result, more children and adults have taken to the skies.195049172-gazakites2x.jpg
More:
https://www.pri.org/stories/2021-09-27/brazil-takes-its-kite-flying-passio
Brazil beach kite flying