Brazilian town enacts law banning Confederate symbols, rebrands festival

A new law in Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, Brazil, bans symbols promoting racism and segregation, impacting the city's Confederate Festival. This festival, held since 1980, celebrated the migration of white American Southerners to Brazil after the Civil War. In 2024, the festival did not feature Confederate flags or performances. Instead, the Fraternity of American Descendants hosted a picnic, signaling a shift in response to local protests and the new law. The festival will be rebranded as "Festa dos Americanos" in 2025, removing all Confederate symbols. The law reflects a broader movement against Confederate symbols, echoing similar efforts in the United States. Local activists argue that removing these symbols is essential for addressing historical racism and fostering a more inclusive society.