Brazil cities hold vigil of solidarity for French people

Hundreds of people took part Sunday (Nov. 15) in vigils to honor people who died during the terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday (Nov. 13). The acts, supported by the French Embassy, took place in four Brazilian cities: Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, São Paulo and Recife.

In Brasília, the act occurred outside the French Institute Alliance Française, where protesters held a minute's silence and sang the French national anthem “La Marseillaise”. Embassy’s Minister Gaël de Maisonneuve said the protest was a gesture of solidarity to the French people. "[It was an opportunity] to be with French and Brazilian friends to have a minute’s silence and think about the people who died. Let's remain united, but more vigilant," he said.

The French couple Cédric Pol and Sandra de Sousa, who has spent over a year in Brazil, went to the act with their three children. "The attacks occurred in famous places. It was a huge shock. It could have happened to any of us. Participating here brings us closer to friends and relatives in France,” said Sandra, an attaché in the delegation of the European Union.

In Rio de Janeiro, they staged vigil at the Largo do Machado at the city’s south zone. Several French people appeared with flags, shirts, and posters showing their support for their country. In the evening, candles were lit in the memory of the attacks’ victims, while the French Pascal Maurice, who has lived for 11 years in Brazil, performed the song “La Vie en Rose” in his barrel organ.

"Barbarism will not prevent the French people to play music, have a drink on a terrace, eat in a restaurant, watch a concert or a football game," said Maurice.

French Consul in Rio Brice Roquefeuil thanked the solidarity. "We have received many Brazilians messages condemning the attack and showing commitment to the values France lies in. It is important to honor the victims and strongly reaffirm the importance of these universal values," he said.

French Professor Jean-Pierre Ybert, who has lived in Brazil for 13 years, said it is important to not let the attacks divide the society. "Maybe they want not only to dispel fear but also to cause a religious split in France. This can be a problem because people usually confuse terrorists with other Muslims in France, because people usually associate [Islam with terrorism]," he said.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta