32nd Grito dos Excluídos protests in Brazil

The 32nd edition of the Grito dos Excluídos (Cry of the Excluded) mobilized social movements, unions, and religious organizations across more than 50 Brazilian cities on September 7, coinciding with Independence Day. The movement, which has historical links to the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB), serves as a counterpoint to official parades by advocating for marginalized communities, democratic stability, and social justice.

Operating under the theme “Na defesa da Terra, da Paz e da Moradia, erguemos a voz: Mulheres Vivas e Soberania!” and the broader banner “Vida em Primeiro Lugar!”, the demonstrations spanned major hubs such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, and Boa Vista.

Key demands included land reform, the strengthening of the Unified Health System (SUS), quality public education, and the abolition of the 6x1 work schedule. Protesters also called for measures to combat racism, LGBTphobia, police violence, and gender-based violence, specifically feminicide.

Regional activities included a mass at the Sé Cathedral in São Paulo dedicated to the homeless population, and demonstrations in Rio Grande da Serra addressing environmental and social concerns regarding the Billings Reservoir water transposition project. In Rio de Janeiro, activists focused on national sovereignty and social inequality.