Gazing up at São Jorge, do you feel a surge of power? It’s the same power that pulsed through Rio when the statue was first unveiled. Now, São Jorge isn’t Christ the Redeemer, the colossal Art Deco statue atop Corcovado Mountain. But he holds a special place in the hearts of Cariocas. São Jorge, the warrior saint, is everywhere in Rio. He’s on t-shirts, in murals, and tucked away in wallets. He’s the patron saint who protects against everything from persecution and envy to stray bullets and floods. In Umbanda, he’s Ogum, connected to the moon. Look closely at the moon’s surface. Can you see the warrior, his horse, and his sword? They say those are the marks of São Jorge, ready to defend those who call on him. The iconic image of São Jorge slaying a dragon isn’t unique to Rio. He’s revered in Portugal, England, and several other countries. But here, he’s intertwined with the city’s soul. He represents the victory of faith over adversity, a theme that resonates deeply in Rio’s vibrant culture. Even the date of his feast day, April 23rd, is a holiday here. So, as you stand before the São Jorge statue, remember the story of the warrior saint, his dragon, and the faith that binds him to this city. He’s a reminder of the strength and resilience that flows through Rio de Janeiro.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to