The celebrations of Brazilian independence promoted by the Society for the Commemoration of the Empire's Independence in Rio de Janeiro reveal a significant popular engagement with the imperial state. The control of these celebrations by members of the Brazilian capital's povo (common people) gradually came to preoccupy both members of the elite, disconcerted at the control of national symbols like the equestrian statue of Emperor Pedro I by popular patriots, and republicans who rejected the monarchy, since the popular patriots demonstrated a disturbing monarchism. After the death of the society's founder and driving force in 1886, a group of men closely associated with the conservative government took over the society and sought to impose their vision of appropriate, disciplined celebrations.
Civic Rituals; Brazilian Independence; Brazilian Empire
