Now that the weather in Rio has finally hit perfect, I've been trying to get out as much as possible. Luckily, the fall/winter here is packed with holidays and events. My current favorite for June is Musica no Museu (Music in the Musem). Here's a shot from inside the Museu da Justica. This trio played a fun assortment of samba, pagode and bossa nova favorites. The series features classical as well as main stream music and takes places in museums all over the city. It's been a great experience to get acquainted with unfamiliar corners of Rio.
I've also been shopping! Normally, this isn't a "getting out" activity but, in Downtown Rio, it's all outside. The Saara street market is a must see for all tourists, Brazil enthusiasts, students, Brazilians from other states, etc. An amazing array of goods (at bargain prices) are contained within just the few blocks between the Central, Presidente Vargas and Uruguiana metro stops. As a historian, I totally "nerded" out when I realized that this area is also the historic commercial district. I walked along streets where abolitionist newspapers were founded, Portuguese merchants used to hawk their wares and where slaves used to go to purchase kilos of rice and beans for their masters. Crazy! This is the market today....
Speaking of "history" and getting "out, I recently participated in a very historic day for Rio and for Brazil as a nation. The very first mass same-sex wedding in the country AND the largest on record in the world. The world! Let me tell you, it felt momentous. The bullpen of journalists was unruly and overflowing; several reporters broke out to capture a few surreal moments. Let me set the stage for you: the place is practically dripping with rainbows-- walls, guests, participants, etc.-- and the ceremony opens with a Richard Marx song sung by Jane di Castro, a 7 foot drag queen. Oh yes!
It calms down a bit after then. A few politicians and activists who made same-sex marriage legal in Brazil say their piece. Then, finally, the couples come down the aisle! An assortment of gay men, lesbians and transgender individuals marched happily by us and took their seats at the front of a long, conference-style room. Each couple was given an abbreviated version of vows in which they each had to simply respond sim (yes). However, most couples took this moment (literally only a moment) amidst a day of being lumped together to express their uniqueness. Some made jokes and had funny responses to the judge's somber recitation of the vows. Others were very emotional and succinctly relayed love stories-- sometimes decades long-- as proof of their profound commitment. A few were downright dirty-- French kissing passionately long before being pronounced. The rest were simply giddy, as any bride/groom should be on their big day. The excitement and support of the families was amazing and I was teary-eyed several times during the ceremony.
I'm sure some people may read this and disagree with the whole thing-- from either a political and/or religious angle. To those people, I just want to say: it was a room FULL of love. Not just love but Love. The kind you feel at any straight wedding. The kind that's holy and blessed by deities. The kind that makes you feel happy to be alive and hopeful for the future. I'm not an expert on God but I seriously doubt he rejects any kind of love. Just sayin'.
Until next time....
No comments:
Post a Comment