After two years of hiatus, the first edition of the post-pandemic Virada Cultural returned with a high political voltage, reflecting the turbulent political climate that prevails in Brazil.
Protests against President Jair Bolsonaro and the denialist actions of his government in relation to the coronavirus were constant at the Saturday and Sunday shows in the city of São Paulo.
The two-day musical event, expected to bring together 2 million people around the stages throughout the city, was also marked by episodes of violence.
Traditionally, the Virada attracts protests, which is accentuated in a year like this, with a presidential election centered on two candidates with popular roots – Bolsonaro and Lula.
As in the cultural area, the demonstrations were unanimous in favor of the PT and against the current occupant of the Planalto, with shouts of "outside, Bolsonaro" and "olê, Lula."
Aside from the political polarization, the Virada ended up tainted by the series of reports of violence in the central region of the capital. There were cases of purse snatchings and robberies and at least six people were stabbed near the concert venue.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon