By Instituto Gilberto Gil
By Cristina Doria and Juliana Amorim
Ver de Trem (1992-05) by Rejane CarneiroInstituto Gilberto Gil
Towards Eco 92
The year was 1992. A group of environmentalists/activists boarded a train in Salvador bound for Rio de Janeiro. The train also carried artists, journalists, and railway workers to Eco 92, the UN Environment Conference.
In defense of the return of trains
Gilberto Gil participated in this "symbolic journey," which focused on advocating for the return of passenger trains to Brazil, which were in decline. The trip was organized by the Movimento Trem de Ferro.
Ver de Trem (1992-05) by Rejane CarneiroInstituto Gilberto Gil
The stations along the way
The train from the Federal Railway Network (now defunct RFFSA) departed from Salvador and made stops in several cities, including Santo Amaro, where they were greeted by Dona Canô. The journey began on May 23, 1992, and arrived in Rio de Janeiro on the 29th of the same month.
Ver de Trem (1992-05) by Rejane CarneiroInstituto Gilberto Gil
Multiplier wave
Dozens of other stops, planned or not, took place along the way. Popular demonstrations formed at the stations to hear the messages and voice their demands, creating a large multiplying wave.
Gilberto Gil participates in the Ver de Trem Project on a trip from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro for the Eco-92 (1992)Instituto Gilberto Gil
The record of the adventure
Ver de Trem (1992-05) by Rejane CarneiroInstituto Gilberto Gil
A concert on arrival
Gilberto Gil participated in the final leg of the trip and performed a show upon arriving in Rio, along with Kid Abelha and other artists who accompanied the Ver de Trem tour.
Ver de Trem (1992-05) by Rejane CarneiroInstituto Gilberto Gil
During the show, in a speech, Gil drew attention to the importance of rail transport and, showing indignation, said: "Our railways have been thrown in the trash."
The book that tells the story
Thirty-two years later, Carlos Lopes, responsible for the historic trip, is releasing a book about his unforgettable experience.
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