The Exhibition of True Emancipation on the Centenary of Bahia Independence (1923)

Abstract

The visual culture articulated to the exhibition mode expanded rapidly in national and regional events influenced by the great international exhibitions that have taken place since the 19th century. The Bahia State during the First Republic period participated in the commemorative exhibitions held in Rio de Janeiro in 1908 (the opening of ports) as well as in 1922 (Brazil´s independence). The state also promoted in the city of Salvador the Exhibition of True Emancipation, in 1923. This article approaches that participation in national events and the reasons that led Bahia State to compose, in 1923, the celebration of September 7th with remembrance of struggles happened in 1823 in its territory in favor of the country's autonomy in relation to Portugal, transforming this event in an occasion to present the internal development in a significant civic date for the Bahia citizens. The article concludes that through speeches the representatives of the State of Bahia sought to emphasize the maintenance of its prominence in the national civic pantheon in the Republic.