15-year-old acrobat hangs from a float and helps carry an anti-racist banner in the MUM parade
Gustavo Vinícius dos Anjos Paiva, a 15-year-old acrobat, participated in a samba school parade, showcasing his skills while promoting an anti-racist message.
Gustavo Vinícius dos Anjos Paiva, aged 15, became one of the standout performers during the parade of MUM (Mocidade Unida da Mooca) by hanging approximately 15 meters in the air from a float. He has been practicing gymnastics for seven years, and this experience in the carnival was both significant and exhilarating for him. In his own words, he expressed his shock and joy at such an extraordinary opportunity, remarking how emotional it was to perform in a samba school context.
During the event, around 20 acrobatic gymnasts participated, each assigned to various floats across the parade. Notably, Gustavo and another gymnast were tasked with the responsibility of carrying an anti-racist banner on the last float, which conveyed a powerful message as the parade concluded. Despite the difficulties that came with balancing their performance and carrying the banner, Gustavo emphasized the importance of entertaining the audience, showcasing both his acrobatic talents and social awareness.
The involvement of young talents like Gustavo in such cultural phenomena underscores the vibrant intersection of performance art and social activism in Brazil's carnival celebrations. The efforts to promote anti-racism in this context reflect a broader commitment within society to address and challenge racial inequalities, particularly in a setting as widely viewed and celebrated as the samba parade, where cultural expression is paramount.