Weekly Show

VIDEO | Brazil ranks last in the world when it comes to covid-19 reponse

Also featured: City councilwoman’s home is attacked and the country’s biggest celebration, carnaval, is canceled

Brasil de Fato | São Paulo |
Journalist Pamela Oliveira hosts our weekly English-language show featuring the latest news and fun facts about Brazil - Screen capture/Brasil de Fato

This week, in What’s Happening in Brazil, we bring you a sad story for our nation. The country ranks last in the wold when it comes to the battle against the novel coronavirus pandemic. A study compiled by the Australian Lowy institute places Brazil at the bottom of the list, which took into account various factors that analyzed governmental responses to the crisis.

Our Story of the Week segment highlights the plight of event laborers left without work due to the cancellation of Brazil’s biggest celebration, carnaval, for this year. Music ensembles, sound technicians, among others, all rely on the busy carnaval schedule to guarantee the equivalent of months of normal pay in just a few days. Left out of the government’s economic assistance package, many involved in cultural events are in dire straits.

In our Culture Talk segment, we take a look at the struggles faced by black activist Preta Ferreira, who was unjustly imprisoned for three months, accused of extortion and conspiracy and detained without evidence nor the completion of a fair trial. A common theme in Brazil, especially among black youth, Preta recounts her ordeal in her new book titled, “My flesh”.

Lastly, to wrap things up, we end the show with our signature Brazilianism segment, where we teach our audience a delicious local recipe and showcase quality Brazilian music. Enjoy!

All What's Happening in Brazil episodes are available at Brasil de Fato's YouTube channel, where you'll also find a special English-content playlist.

Partners who wish to include a longer version of the show in their schedule may contact our international team at [email protected] or send a WhatsApp message to +55 11 993 055 156.

For more news about Brazil and our region, visit our website.

Edited by: Ítalo Piva