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A video recorded in a saint’s house in the Tancredo Neves neighborhood, in Rio Branco, placed the name of Acre at the center of social media and the national debate on African-based religiosity. The protagonist is Germano Marino, father of Santo Acre and activist for LGBT causes, who went viral on Instagram when defending a more human, modern and free from impositions of Candomblé that, according to him, no longer make sense. The post already has more than 1 million views and even caught the attention of singer Anitta.
In the video, Germano explains in a direct and humorous way the care taken with the children of saints during the period of confinement and responds to criticism he received for allowing the use of plastic spoons during meals. “Here the iaô [filho ou filha de santo recém-iniciado] pass is well, eat the good and the best. There’s no such thing as too lazy here at Casa de Santo to make any kind of food,” he says.
Post caught the attention of singer Anitta. Photo: Reproduction
He highlights that the decision to allow cutlery is not related to disrespect for religion, but to care and dignity. “I use a plastic spoon so I don’t pick it up with my hand, so I don’t burn my fingertips, so I don’t end up wasting food,” he says.
Furthermore, in another excerpt Germano criticizes practices that he associates with remnants of historical oppression and recalls that “the time of slavery has passed”. “This thing of spending 21 days eating with your hands, without brushing your teeth… that doesn’t exist anymore. We’re already in modernity”, he emphasizes, questioning the idea that too many changes would take away spirituality. “Do you think the orixá will come out of someone’s head because they stopped eating with their hands, with a plastic spoon?”
The video ends with a message of affection for the sons of saint and a farewell that became a catchphrase on social networks: “Now excuse me, I’m going to serve mine and others, because daddy loves the sons of saint. Axé! For me, for you and for us”
Profile reach reached more than 2 million people. Photo: Reproduction
The repercussion was immediate. Germano’s profile reached more than 2 million views, and the content reached national artists and influencers. Singer Anitta interacted with the publications, further expanding their reach and placing pai de santo among the most talked about in the country.
