In defense of Palestine, more than 30 Carnival blocks in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais state, intend to draw revelers' attention during this year's festivities. Called "Carnival of Solidarity and Resistance – Free Palestine", the idea was proposed by the Minas Gerais Committee of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The city's traditional Carnival blocs, such as "Então, Brilha!", "Tchanzinho Zona Norte" and "Toca Raul" are some of the groups that signed the document, which is still open to new members. During the festivities, each parade will feature a demonstration supporting Palestinians.
"In this new stage of aggression against Gaza and the West Bank, approximately 25,000 lives have been lost, including 5,217 men, 12,345 children and 7,100 women. The last two groups alone account for almost 80% of the victims. That's why we say it isn’t a war – it's genocide," says one of the excerpts from the manifesto.
Since October 7 last year, the Gaza Strip conflict has intensified. However, the Minas Gerais Committee of Solidarity with the Palestinian People denounces that the massacre promoted by the Israeli government has been going on for decades.
Carnival and resistance
The organization also emphasizes that the importance of raising the banner of defense of the Palestinian people at Carnival lies in the history of the event in Belo Horizonte, which was built alongside people’s struggles, resisting and occupying the streets.
Belo Horizonte's street Carnival came about in protest against measures that prevented the right to access the city and culture. One of the milestones was the fight against a decree issued by former mayor Márcio Lacerda in 2009, which prevented events from being held in the city's largest public square, Praça da Estação.
With this background, it is a tradition of Belo Horizonte’s street Carnival to hold demonstrations that are in line with the political moment.
To support the initiative and find more information, visit the committee's Instagram profile.
Edited by: Larissa Costa
