Rio announces statue in honor of Ziraldo

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Rio de Janeiro, known for its natural beauty and rich culture, will soon have another attraction for residents and tourists: a statue in honor of the renowned cartoonist, writer and journalist Ziraldo Alves, who left us at the age of 91. His death occurred peacefully while he was sleeping at home in the capital of Rio de Janeiro, marking the end of an era for Brazilian humor and literature.

The revelation of the tribute came in the voice of Mayor Eduardo Paes, during Ziraldo’s wake, which took place at the Museum of Modern Art in Rio (MAM). Textually, the mayor expressed his appreciation for the artist, stating that he had “the joy and honor” of sharing moments with Ziraldo, highlighting his importance for Rio’s history and culture.

Why is Ziraldo so important for Rio de Janeiro?

Ziraldo, even though he was born in Minas Gerais, chose Rio de Janeiro as his home for more than three decades. Over this time, he contributed immensely to local culture, not only with his published works but also with his active participation in the city’s cultural life. Mayor Eduardo Paes’ decision to erect a statue in his honor reflects the city’s desire to preserve and celebrate the legacy of one of its most beloved artists.

What does this tribute mean?

The statue will not only be a landmark in Rio’s artistic and cultural scene, but also an educational tool and reflection on Brazil, as highlighted by Mayor Paes. He mentioned the desire to use Ziraldo’s history and legacy, including the Ziraldo Institute, to continue educating and inspiring future generations. This act of tribute transcends the artist’s personal memory, engaging the community in broader discourses about education, culture and national identity.

How did the community receive the news?

Both Ziraldo’s wake and burial, held at the São João Batista Cemetery, were moments of great public commotion, with the presence of fans, friends, family and admirers of the cartoonist’s work. The confirmation of the statue by Mayor Eduardo Paes, widely publicized by the media, reinforced the sense of loss but also of celebration and recognition of Ziraldo’s unique trajectory in the cultural history of Brazil. The reception of the news reflects the affection and admiration that the Rio and Brazilian population has for the artist and his legacy.

With the construction of this statue, Rio de Janeiro perpetuates the memory of one of its great names and reaffirms its commitment to valuing and celebrating its cultural figures. The tribute to Ziraldo transcends the individual, touching the collective through art, memory and shared history.