Learn all about Tiradentes' Day in Brazil
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class - Holidays in Brazil Series at PortuguesePod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind holidays and observances in Brazil. I’m Becky, and you're listening to Season 1, Lesson 12 - Tiradentes' Day or Dia de Tiradentes in Portuguese. |
| During the colonial period, there were several social movements in Brazil. |
| In this lesson, we’ll learn about one of them, the “Minas Conspiracy,” or Inconfidência Mineira and the national civic patron Tiradentes. Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you- |
| Can you guess what Tiradentes' profession was from his nickname? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening! |
| Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, commonly known as Tiradentes, was the leader of the Minas Conspiracy, which took place in Minas Gerais. The goal of the group, formed by the elite of Minas Gerais, was to become independent from Brazil and establish a “republican government,” or governo republicano. However, one day before the conspirators put their plans into action, one of them betrayed the group in exchange for exoneration from his debts with the crown. |
| Due to the very serious nature of his crime, Tiradentes was sentenced to death. On April 21, 1792, he was hanged in a public square in Rio de Janeiro. |
| After the execution, his body was quartered, and his head was exhibited in Vila Rica, with his other body parts scattered along the road between Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais. This was meant to intimidate the population and discourage any more revolts. His house was torched, his property confiscated, and salt was thrown on the ground so that nothing would grow there. |
| Tiradentes was a mark in national history and became a “martyr” or mártir. The day of his death is a national holiday. Although his importance has never been forgotten, most people just take this day to rest or travel. |
| The civil and “military police,” or polícia militar, adopted Tiradentes as their patron, and celebrate the day with tributes to him. |
| An interesting fact related to Tiradentes is the renaming of a town in the state of Minas Gerais in his honor. In Tiradentes city, Conspiracy Week is celebrated annually with various commemorative events. |
| The “flag,” or bandeira, adopted by the state of Minas Gerais was designed by members of the Minas Conspiracy. On it is the Latin phrase "Libertas Quæ Sera Tamen" which means “Liberty even when it comes late." |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Can you guess what Tiradentes' profession was from his nickname? |
| It means “tooth puller.” The nickname Tiradentes derives from one of his occupations – dentistry. He also worked as a herdsman, miner, trader, political activist, and military man. But, despite his nickname, he did not like pulling teeth! |
| How was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| In your country, do you have any similar national holidays? |
| Leave your comments on the lesson page at PortuguesePod101.com |
| And we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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