Tiradentes Day

The 21st of April is a day where Brazilians commemorate the national hero Joaquim Jose da Silva Xavier, on the date of his execution.

Xavier lived from 1746 to 1792 and fought for Brazilian independence from the Portuguese colonial power. Xavier was later betrayed and then hanged in Rio de Janeiro in 1792. 

The day of his death is a national holiday in Brazil with all government offices, schools and banks closed. The plaza (Praça Tiradentes) where he was executed is named after him and the Brazilians also raised a monument there in his honour.
Government officials will meet at Praça Tiradentes on the 21st and pay tributes to the hero with speeches dedicated to the martyrdom of the revolutionary.
















Written by Mikkel Hansen 

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