There has been a significant change in perception towards street dogs in Brazil. Once considered strays, these caramel colored dogs have undergone a remarkable transformation and are now proudly accepted as national symbols.
The “Vira-lata Caramelo” (literally “caramel trashcan-tipper”) has been the subject of memes, videos, petitions, an upcoming Netflix film, a Carnival parade, and even the aim of recognizing it as a symbol of Brazilian culture. The draft law is attracting widespread attention. , “Carmelo is the spirit of our times,” Diego Freitas, director of the upcoming Netflix film Carmelo, said in an interview. associated Press,
Carmelo the dog became an internet sensation in 2019 when social media users began sharing all kinds of content of the adorable pup — from a Carmelo peeing on stage during a dance show, to a CPR training video, to a chest pounding in The Derrick. Even to someone pretending to be dead during the press. Informed.
The dog’s antics have captivated Brazil, with a petition to replace the macaw on the country’s 10-reis ($1.65) bill garnering nearly 50,000 signatures. “Carmelo has become a symbol of the Brazilian people, beloved in all states and an excellent representative of our culture,” the petition said. In 2020, another petition advocating for the dog to appear on the 200-reais note received even more support.
What caused this sudden emergence of virility? For one thing, dogs have long been Internet favorites. Google Trends data shows that “dog” has consistently been the most searched animal term, far more than “cat”, with search interest peaking in 2018-19 – just as Brazilian Carmelo received traction. Was doing.
Beyond the general popularity of dogs, Carmelos embodies values ​​that connect deeply with many Brazilians. They are seen as compassionate, resilient survivors. Importantly, they are mixed-race – something that Brazilians, many of whom see themselves as products of diverse cultural roots, recognize.
Once considered a source of shame (as the term “mongrel complex” suggests), Brazil’s mixed heritage – including immigrants, enslaved Africans, and indigenous people – is now a point of pride.
Tina Castro, an English teacher in Rio de Janeiro, shared that the love for Carmelo reflects Brazilians’ affection for their country. Castro said, “It comes from a marginalized place like Brazil. It has a history of existence and marginalization… We value Carmelo the same way we value our country.”
In addition to the Netflix production featuring Carmelo, other factors are bringing the dog into the spotlight, such as Rio’s São Clemente Samba School, which will feature children in Carmelo costumes during the annual carnival.
