Parade becomes a family event.

Michèlle Canes/Agência Brasil - The strong sun and blue sky of Brasília made many families leave home today (7) to watch the parade commemorating Brazil's Independence. According to the Military Police of the Federal District (DF), around 30 thousand people attended the event, which started shortly after 9 am, with the playing of the National and Independence anthems.

Bank employee Andrea Fujita arrived early and went to the stands even before the program began. She secured a front-row seat so as not to miss anything. She recounts that, in her childhood, she participated in the parades commemorating the date at the school she attended in Rio Grande do Sul. "Just listening to the music makes me emotional," she said. "It's very beautiful to see, we have to support it," she emphasized.

The first part of the parade featured students from public schools in the Federal District. And that's precisely what most caught the attention of 14-year-old student Beatriz Carvalho. "I really enjoyed the schools' presentations. The parade is very interesting, and we learn about history."

Many parents took advantage of the date to awaken a sense of patriotism in their children. This is the case of driver Hugo Ramos, who brought his two daughters and godson. "Today, this incentive for children is somewhat lost. It's an opportunity to awaken the desire to want the best for the country, to be proud of where they were born."

Colorful flags, caps, and green-and-yellow shirts filled the stands. The heat didn't discourage the crowd, and some people came from far away to the Esplanade of Ministries. Samuel Santos, 11, was with his mother and four siblings. It was the first time the whole family had attended the parade. Residents of P Sul, in Ceilândia (approximately 25 kilometers from the central region of Brasília), they traveled by subway. "It was very peaceful," says the student. "I liked the firefighters and the police officers. I had never seen the vehicles so close. It was really cool." And Samuel assures: "I want to come back next year."

While for some this was their first time participating, for other families, September 7th has already become a traditional event. Hairdresser Flávia Ramos, 37, went with her sister, mother, and eight children. She says she's been attending the festivities since she was little and now brings her children and nephews/nieces. "In our family it's a tradition. Many people confuse the event with politics, but it has nothing to do with that. It's an opportunity to demonstrate the love we have for our country. It's very moving."

The Smoke Squadron is one of the main attractions of the September 7th program in Brasília. (José Cruz/Agencia Brasil)

While many watched the performances, João Alves walked around with his ice cream cart. This is the sixth time he has worked during the parade. "This year I broke the record. I was allowed into the stands. It's a good opportunity. It's one of the main events, and we can't miss it." But while selling ice cream, João also takes the opportunity to watch a bit of the parade. "It's selling and watching. You have to participate. I saw little, but I really liked the Smoke Squadron."

The Squadron's planes and the Air Force parade attracted many children. Catiana de Oliveira brought her 2-year-old son. She came from Arapoanga, in Planaltina (about 40 kilometers from the Esplanade). "When I was a child I watched and loved it. He loved the planes and the bands." They finished the parade writing the phrase "Beloved Homeland...Brazil" in the sky.

Approximately 1,3 military police officers provided security at the site. The Fire Department, the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU), and health centers were also present.