I know very well that we are undergoing a financial crisis. Some countries are suffering more, others less, but in any event, is a pessimistic time. That’s exactly why I decided to describe about something completely different, something that is the symbol of the rebirth of hope in one of the cities that once was one of the most violent in the world.

Four years ago, the then mayor of Sao Paulo decided to create an event called “Virada Cultural” (Virada literally means turned) in which over 24 hours in a weekend of April there were presentations of all types of art completely free to the paulistano public (person who is born in Sao Paulo city).

The event was a success. And this year attracted 4 million people to attend presentations of the 800 bands, singers, performances, presentations of outdoor theater, etc. Shows of samba, rap, heavy metal, punk, MPB, all in “Old Center” in Sao Paulo during the early hours in an atmosphere of harmony and fun.

The center of Sao Paulo is called “Old Center” because it is where the city was founded in 1554 and this region is different from the others, because it seems to be very European city with a likely influence of Italian, Portuguese and Spanish who came in beginning of this century.

But back to the point, of course, some incidents occurred, as some drunk who ended up fighting with each other, but because of the large number of police who were present, only isolated incidents occurred.

Sao Paulo is the financial center of Brazil, also is the cultural capital of the country, with about 80 museums. Moreover, it is the city that has the most heterogeneous population of the country, about 5 million migrants.

All this financial, people and culture wealth, is what allows the city to hold an event of such proportions. An event that symbolizes the rebirth of a city that just over 10 years ago was abandoned, completely decadent.

As I said in other articles, it was necessary to the civil society to make things change. The politicians understood the message and then met the wishes of society. I will not say it was easy, or that what happened was an example that should be followed worldwide.

What I am saying is: people have more power than think, especially if mobilized. Is there a greater example than the “Virada Cultural?