Visit Praca Tiradentes, pay your respects to a Revolutionary hero!Tiradentes Square, also known as Praca Tiradentes, is a must see for anyone interested in exploring the often bloody political history of Brazil. Located on Rua Frei Caneca (just north of Cathedral) in Rio de Janeiro, Praca Tiradentes was not only the hub of Rio’s old theatrical district but was also the location of the 1792 execution of Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, the leader of the Brazilian revolution for democracy in 1789. Known as one of the most enthusiastic organizers of an attempt to secure independence for Brazil, Xavier was hanged in what later became known as Praca Tiradentes; three years after the betrayal of one of his co-patriots led to his arrest. In a bloody attempt to discourage any additional uprisings, Xavier’s head was left on display in the city of Vila Rica (now Ouro Preto). His body was quartered and the pieces scattered in the cities between Vila Rica and Rio de Janeiro. Although nine other members of Xavier’s group were also arrested and sentenced to death, their sentences were eventually commuted by the Queen. Xavier was the only revolutionary to be put to death for his involvement in what was known as the Minas Conspiracy of 1789. Orphaned by the death of his parents, Xavier was raised in Vila Rica by a surgeon. Although he had very little real education, he managed to move through several professions and at one time was actually a practicing dentist. The nickname, Tiradentes, actually means ”toothpuller” and throughout the his trial, it was the name by which he was referred. References to Xavier in history more often than not use the nickname rather than his given name. At one point in his career, Xavier joined the militia and although he achieved the rank of second lietenant, he would never rise any higher. His disgust regarding the exploitation of his fellow Brazilian citizens and the amount of gold that was being taken of Brazil led him to create the revolutionary group along with Jose Alvares Maciel, the son of the governor of Vila Rica. Quickly joined by many popular and important Brazilians, the group began to encourage their fellow citizens to rise up against the Portuguese government. As the days of derrama, or payment of taxes grew near, Xavier and his group planned to take to the streets to declare their independence. What they didn’t know, however, was that one member of their group, Joaquim Silverio dos Reis, had betrayed them and provided information regarding their plans to the govenor in exchange for waiving his tax payment. Unexpectedly, the governor cancelled the tax days and instead issued an order for the arrest and imprisonment of the members of the group. To avoid arrest, Xavier fled to the city of Rio de Janeiro and began to attempt to reorganize the movement. Unaware of his betrayal, Xavier arranged to meet Joaquim Silverio dos Reis in May of 1789 and was arrested. After a three year trial, Xavier was hanged on April 21st, 1792. It wasn’t until 1889, almost one hundred years later, that the republic was claimed in Brazil and Xavier was granted his place in history as a national hero. The anniversary of his death became a national holiday and it was at this time that the square was renamed Praca Tiradentes in his honor. Previously it had been named Field of Santana (1813), Field of the Acclamation (1822) and Plaza of the Rossio. At times, the Tiradentes Square was also referred to as the Square of the Constitution. In 1813, years after the death of Xavier (Tiradentes), the Theatro Real of Is João was erected on the Tiradentes Square. If you prefer theatre to politics, you may be interested to know that up until the 20th century, Praco Tiradentes was actually the cultural hub of Rio de Janeiro theatre. A bust in the square honors João Caetano dos Santos, whose theatre company called the area home and for whom the building was ultimately named after. Santos produced many well received shows that starred theatrical greats such as Sara Bernhardt. Although the original theatre burnt to the ground, it was rebuilt and has undergone several additional name changes. |