Show sends Brazilian message to world

South Korea’s Jeong Bo-kyeong, left, competes against Argentina’s Paula Pareto during final of the women’s 48-kg judo competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 6. Jeong won the silver. / AP-Yonhap

By Valter Junior

RIO DE JANEIRO ― “Isto aqui o que e?” or “What is this here?” was one of the last songs featured in the opening ceremony of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on Friday night (local time). It summarizes what happened at the Maracana Stadium, celebrating the beginning of the first Olympic Games in South America. In a free translation, it says that “this is a bit of Brazil.” That was exactly what was featured in the beautiful and happy party that is starting to take place in Rio de Janeiro. Brazil used the event to talk about itself and to talk to the world.

In the first hour of the spectacle it was possible to take in a review of the roots of the Brazilian people, focusing specially on Carioca (people born in Rio) life.

Directed by film director Fernando Meirelles, the show was enough to display the lives of Brazilians. There was no hiding the country’s history, passing by Indians, the Portuguese arrival, the city development, and so on. There was also space to talk about global problems like pollution and diversity.

People pose for photos in front of the Olympic rings along Copacabana beach, site of the cycling road race, beach volleyball, marathon swimming and triathlon competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saturday.

There was no shame exposing who Brazilian people are. The way everything was expressed did not expose the nation but showed that Brazil is not perfect and does not intend to be.

When the show was over, Brazilians, a people with a huge critical sense of themselves, were happy about what they watched. The country has issues. But people are still proud of who they are. They do not give up -- just like Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima, the man who lit the Olympic cauldron. This was one of the night’s surprises. Though Brazilian football star Pele was expected to do it, Vanderlei was a great choice to represent the Brazilian people, because he is an example of a simple man capable of great achievements.

In the 2004 Athens Olympics, he was leading the marathon when an Irish priest attacked him and the probable gold turned into a bronze medal. By choosing him, there was a message for Brazilians and every athlete competing in the Rio Games. When you fall, all you have to do is to stand up and keep going, and to be a champion, you don’t need to be the winner.

Some maneuvering had to be done on Friday night. In the beginning, interim Brazilian President Michel Temer was not introduced, a clear break with protocol. His announcement to declare the Games open was done in a rush. Even so, he was booed. Some people tried applause to suffocate the boos but it was not strong enough. There were some fast but angry arguments in the stands between those for and against Temer.

Argentine athletes had better luck. The fierce rivals of Brazil heard some boos, but this was drowned out by people clapping their hands. South Koreans athletes also received a warm welcome. Some countries’ flags were waved in the stands. Americans, Canadians and Colombians made the most noise in the stands during the parade.

This was just the start of the Olympics. This enchanting show was just the beginning. And this was just a bit of Brazil.

Valter Junior is a journalist for Metro Brazil. He can be reached at vajunior@gmail.com.