Netflix Series on Brazil’s Notorious Police Massacre of Street Children

In Rio de Janeiro, a powerful symbol of remembrance stands outside the Nossa Senhora da Candelária church. Despite being repeatedly vandalized, a wooden cross adorned with eight plaques bearing names of the victims of the Candelária massacre serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic events that unfolded in 1993.

The Candelária massacre, where eight young people aged between 11 and 19 were killed by police officers while sleeping outside the church, shook the city to its core. Even after 31 years, the memories of that horrific night are still vivid. The massacre has now inspired a new Netflix series called Children of the Church Steps, which aims to shed light on the lives of the victims leading up to that fateful moment.

The series follows four children and adolescents in the hours before the massacre, drawing from real-life stories of survivors and families of the victims. One such survivor, Erica Nunes, recalls the day vividly and shared her experiences to contribute to the show. The hope is to humanize the victims and bring to light the childhood and innocence that was taken away from them.

The tragic events of the Candelária massacre are a dark stain on Rio’s history, but they also shed light on broader issues within Brazil’s police force and society. The incidents that led to the massacre were fueled by a complex web of social and economic factors, including the perception of street children as societal nuisances by some local shopkeepers.

Despite some convictions in the case, the aftermath of the massacre continues to haunt those affected. Activists like Patrícia de Oliveira, whose brother survived the attack, are working tirelessly to ensure that the memory of the victims lives on. Oliveira emphasizes the urgent need for societal change to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

The Netflix series and the continued advocacy efforts of activists like Oliveira serve as a powerful reminder of the need for justice, accountability, and a shift in societal attitudes towards marginalized communities. The wounds of the Candelária massacre may never fully heal, but through remembrance and reflection, there is hope for a more just and compassionate future.