"The Redemption of Our Race:" the commemorations of the abolition of slavery

Abstract

São Paulo, the first decades of the twentieth century. It was common at this time for part of the black population to take to the streets every year to celebrate 13 May - date of the abolition of slavery in Brazil -, with pilgrimages, masses, civic conferences, solemn discourses, artistic and cultural festivals, dances, music, dance, theater and festivities, most often in a climate of emotion and joy. Drawing on various registers, especially journalistic, the article aims to describe and examine these commemorations, seeking to demonstrate their multiple meanings and different significances.