April 21st, Tiradentes' Day
April 21st, Tiradentes' Day in Brazil, the date refers to his death, which occurred in 1792. Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes, was one of the leaders of the Inconfidência Mineira, a movement that sought Brazil's independence from the Portuguese Crown, especially against economic exploitation and the heavy tax burden.
Born in Minas Gerais, Tiradentes was an ensign (military rank) and also worked as a dentist, which earned him his nickname. Inspired by the ideals of the Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions, he stood out in the articulation of the movement that dreamed of a free and republican Brazil. However, the conspiracy was discovered, and he ended up being the only one of the inconfidentes sentenced to death, becoming a martyr for the cause of freedom.
He was hanged and quartered as a way of intimidating future rebels, but, over time, his image became a symbol of the fight for independence and justice. In his honor, April 21st is a national holiday, and he is remembered as a hero of the country. Tiradentes represents the spirit of resistance and the desire for autonomy of the Brazilian people.
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