On April 21, Brazil’s Sao Paulo downtown saw hundreds of people marching on the occasion of 97th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
According to Armenian Foreign Ministry’s press service, the procession brought together heads and representative of all Armenian organizations and unions in Brazil, as well as youth and scout organizations totaling to 500 people.
Participants carried over 30 three-meter-long posters depicting Genocide scenes and words of condemnation addressed to Genocide organizers, Armenian flags, as well as 3000 placards and thousands of leaflets they distributed to passers-by.
Prior to the event, hundreds of posters on the Genocide were spread in offices, shopping malls and other institutions located on the procession way.
The two-hour event featured speeches and statements, as well as Armenian anthem and national songs.
According to local media estimates, this was the largest ever event organized in Brazil over the past several decades to condemn the Armenian Genocide.
Armenian St. Gregory Church in Sao Paulo served a mournful mass on April 22, attended by Armenian ambassador Ashot Yeghiazaryan, Honorary ambassador of Armenia in Sao Paulo Hilda Burmayan, Sao Paulo MPs and other high-ranking officials.
Hai Katoghike and Armenian Evangelical Central Church of Sao Paolo served liturgies, following which people went to the newly established memorial to the Genocide victims on Armenia square to lay wreaths there.
