Bizarre Brazil

This is an Ira’s specialty, but nevertheless I’m on it. Today is Red Bull Flying Race in Rio de Janeiro.

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Tiradentes was a low rank officer from the Portuguese army who was one of the (only falling) heads of a independence rebellion in the eighteenth century in what is now Minas Gerais state. He was born and raised in Brazil, and was what the British called “a colonial” in their own colonies in 19th century.

His name means “tooth puller” and that was his profession in the army. Dentistry was a much simpler job back in those days.

He was executed - Roman style, his body was broken apiece, his home destroyed, his gardens covered with salt - in April 21, 1792, after a 3 years long trial. He’s considered an Independence martyr (Brazil would get rid of Portugal rule only in 1822) and the day of his death is a national holiday. Confusions between his figure and that of Christ are common between the children, as Tiradentes is depicted much like the Nazarene.

He was hanged, cut in pieces and cursed for all eternity - and so on - 215 years ago. As you can see, the Portuguese were very pissed off at the guy. The psychological note on the subject is that such a pitiful loser like him is exactly the kind of hero most Brazilians praise.

Pedro Americo, 1893.

I think this Dromader M18A, was the first of its kind of aircraft that has landed in Brazil. (in 1990)

PLZ Dromader M18A, Polish agricultural aircraft

In a wax museum in a thematic park in the southern state of Santa Catarina, a knight, a sword, and plenty of fun.

A thief hit by a cop ridding a dune-buggy. A huge collection of pickpockets in action. Something that looks a lot like a live execution, on the fastest trial you’ll ever see. A free shooting in a busy avenue.

You’re never safe in Rio de Janeiro.

(Images by Rio’s Security Office)