Learn all about Republic 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 8 - Republic Day |
| The full name of Brazil is the “Federative Republic of Brazil,” or the República Federativa do Brasil in Portuguese. Brazil has been a republic since 1889. |
| In this lesson we’ll talk a little about this period, and the holiday that commemorates the Proclamation of the Republic, showing how it was the beginning of Brazil as a republic after centuries of colonialism and imperialism. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, I've got a question for you- |
| How many presidents have ruled Brazil since the beginning of the Republic? |
| If you don't know already, you’ll find out a bit later, so keep listening! |
| Brazil was ruled by Pedro II from 1831 onwards. He was left to assume the role of “Emperor of Brazil,” or Imperador do Brasil in Portuguese, when he was only five years old. |
| In the late 1880s, the Brazilian monarchy started to lose power and entered a period of crisis, because it lost the support of the Catholic Church, the army, and the landowners. |
| On November 15, 1889, the Republicans seized their opportunity and staged a “military coup,” or golpe militar, thereby establishing a republic in Brazil. It was Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca who declared that Brazil would be a republic from that day forward. |
| With the support of the republicans, a provisional government was installed. Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca assumed office as Brazil's first “president,” or presidente in Portuguese. And Rui Barbosa, Benjamin Constant, Campos Sales, and others were chosen to form the “ministries,” or ministérios. |
| Three days later, the imperial family departed from Brazil. Since then, Brazil's ruler has been elected by the people – a major breakthrough for the “democracy,” or democracia, in the country. |
| Despite its historical importance, November 15 is not really celebrated as a holiday. Some schools hold parades and some towns organize events or shows. Actually, most people prefer to take time off to relax or travel. |
| A fun fact is that almost every town in Brazil has a street with the name "November 15th" or "Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca,” so people don’t forget this date and the Marshal’s importance. |
| Voting is obligatory for all Brazilian citizens over the age of 18. Voting is direct, and “elections” or eleições, take place every four years. On Election Day, they use electronic voting machines, making the counting of votes easier and more reliable. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| How many presidents have ruled Brazil since the beginning of the Republic? |
| If we count all the presidents who assumed the position and leave out military rule, then President Dilma Rousseff, who took office in 2011, is the 36th President of Brazil. |
| How was this lesson? Did you learn anything interesting? |
| In your country, do you also celebrate a Republic Day? |
| Leave your comments on the lesson page at PortuguesePod101.com |
| And we'll see you in the next lesson! |
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