Praça Onze

Herivelto Martins' song "Praça Onze" is a poignant tribute to a significant cultural and historical landmark in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Praça Onze was a central hub for samba schools and a vibrant part of the city's Afro-Brazilian culture. The song laments the impending demolition of Praça Onze, which symbolizes the erasure of a vital cultural space. The lyrics express deep sorrow and nostalgia, as the artist mourns the loss of a place that held immense cultural and emotional value for the community.

The song opens with a somber acknowledgment that Praça Onze will be no more, and with it, the samba schools that brought joy and unity to the community. The mention of various samba schools like Favela, Salgueiro, Mangueira, and Estação Primeira highlights the rich tapestry of cultural expressions that will be affected. The imagery of the tamborim (a small drum) and the morro (hills where many favelas are located) crying personifies the collective grief of the people who are losing a part of their heritage.

In the latter part of the song, Martins bids a heartfelt farewell to Praça Onze, acknowledging its inevitable disappearance but vowing to keep its memory alive. The lyrics convey a sense of hope and resilience, suggesting that while the physical space may be lost, the spirit and memories of Praça Onze will endure in the hearts of the people. The promise of singing about its past in a new square signifies the enduring legacy of Praça Onze and the unbreakable bond between the community and its cultural roots.