The axé of the band Olodum and the singer Daniela Mercury filled the scenery of Farol da Barra and turned Monday (1) into an open-air show to mark Labor Day. In response, thousands of Salvadorans attended and transformed the postcard into the stage of an awareness party to value the class.
In response, thousands of Salvadorans attended the postcard for class appreciation awareness party.
The event is held every year by the Central Única dos Trabalhadores (CUT Bahia), in partnership with other trade union centrals. In addition to cheering up those who fight for their daily bread, the shows are intended to draw attention to urgent demands from the class.
After a few years without happening, the initiative returned with emphasis on themes such as the expansion of rights, fight against hunger, more jobs, income and the strengthening of democracy. The shows took place in electric trios parked at Farol da Barra.
The band Olodum was the first to perform and went up singing the hit Alegria Geral. After two hours waiting for the start of the presentation, which was scheduled for 2 pm and started at 4 pm, singer Rosa Santos, 30, was overwhelmed with happiness at the arrival of the moment.
Automatically, she was propelled by the beat of the drums to jump and sing. Joy, however, does not alienate her from workers’ demand for more appreciation. On the contrary, she recharges her energy to support the class and keep claiming. “This is a very important date for us to reinforce the urgency of fighting for our rights. And with Olodum, we do it in style,” she highlighted.
Connecting celebration and struggle was also the goal of the students who attended the party. Among them were members of the Brazilian Union of Secondary Students (Ubes), which represent students from elementary, high school, technical and pre-university education institutions.
“Olodum represents our fight because it defends black culture and sings about love and the search for rights. It inspires and entertains us in equal measure. The scenery at Farol da Barra just makes the moment more colorful”, said Rafael Barbosa, 18 years old, director of Ubes.
Olodum played for about two hours. The presentation was accompanied by the governor of the state, Jerônimo Rodrigues, by vice-president Geraldo Júnior and other authorities.
When night fell, it was singer Daniela Mercury’s turn to join the trio, who insisted on honoring the workers. Four black dancers wearing uniforms from four different professions performed a choreography to the song Women of the World. The song extols the strength of women and their performance as workers. “Today’s repertoire was chosen with special songs to honor the workers”, said Daniela.
The declaration was received with joy by teacher Dilma Santana, 36 years old. For her, it is this type of support that workers need to have their voices amplified. “Whoever said that joy cannot accompany our struggle does not know how much these moments drive us to continue seeking a better life for those who will be born. Everyone who joins contributes in some way, but artists’ voices amplify ours,” she said.
*With guidance from sub-editor Fernanda Varela
