The thugs, robbers, players and partygoers they have their employer in Brazil. Zé Pelintra, the “saint” who is also known as the patroness of the poor, is officially commemorated for the first time this Friday in Rio de Janeiro, the most bohemian city in the country.
By law, July 7 is the day of this patron who is worshiped in nightclubs and is also a symbol of the fight against religious intolerance.
VDressed from head to toe in an elegant white suitwith a red tie, two-tone shoes and a wide-brimmed hat on one side, his image seems to evoke Pedro Navaja, the most famous salsa bandit who came to life almost four decades ago in the voice of Panamanian Rubén Blades.
Ze Pelintrawhose popularity stands out in bars, among gamblers and at the famous ‘rodas de samba’, informal parties revolving around the most traditional Brazilian music genre, is not only appreciated in bohemia.
Jose Pereira dos Anjos -his name- is invoked by his believers when they need money, for the progress of their business or to solve problems at home.
“He is the social expression of the most marginalized sectors. He is highly sought after by those who are persecuted, those who are on the margins, those who are called ‘people from the street,'” Ivanir dos Santos, a professor at the university, told EFE. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and member of the Rio Commission to Combat Religious Intolerance.
A SYMBOL AGAINST INTOLERANCE
And it is that this saint, originally from catimbó, is a cult northeast of Brazilit is also recognized in Umbanda, a popular religion practiced in the country, which combines elements of Catholicism, African currents and indigenous traditions, among other things.
As in Umbanda, where he is known as ‘Exú’, so in catimbó, the patron saint is considered the protector of the poor, which is why he is also called the ‘lawyer for the poor’.
for two saintswho is an expert on African religions, reaffirms the identity Ze Pelintra “strengthens the fight against religious intolerance”.
It was just one of the objectives of the law sanctioned last year, which established July 7 as the day of this patron saint.
“The inclusion, Counting date in the city’s official calendar will be an important milestone. It can be used for traditional ceremonies and to unite religious leaders and institutions that suffer from religious intolerance, racism and xenophobia,” Councilor Átila A. Nunes, one of the authors of the law, said on the day of its promulgation.
According to the latest official data, there were 966 cases of religious intolerance in Brazil in 2021, an increase of 63% compared to 2020.
Like any good employer, Ze Pelintra He has a refuge in Rio, located in Lapa, one of the most fun and bohemian neighborhoods in the city.
The place, located next to the arches of Lapa, is a tourist icon Riverseveral times, even before it was officially opened, it was targeted by vandals who consider it “pagan”.
The preserved picture of Fr Ze Pelintra It still attracts devotees who indulge in the fervor of the party after the prayers are over.
Source: Panama America
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
