In a grand gesture, Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue illuminated the night to welcome Taylor Swift to Brazil for her “Eras Tour.” Swift’s passionate fanbase, known as “Swifties,” flooded social media, urging a warm reception for the pop sensation.
Atop Corcovado mountain and in the square below, fans gathered as the colossal statue went dark, only to reappear adorned with a light-projection tribute to Swift’s “Junior Jewels” T-shirt from her “You Belong With Me” video. The message “Welcome to Brasil,” written in English with the country’s 27 states listed, shone brightly.
Fans were overwhelmed with joy, expressing heartfelt emotions at witnessing this tribute. Rafaela Martins Lopes, one of the devotees present, shared her emotional response, emphasizing the importance of Swift’s happiness.
The outpouring of support on social media prompted a charity challenge by the Catholic rector of Christ the Redeemer sanctuary, Omar Raposo. The goal of raising 300,000 reais for charity led to technical issues due to the overwhelming response but managed to raise over 180,000 reais. This charitable effort will distribute food baskets to mark the World Day of the Poor, a cause initiated by Pope Francis.
Additionally, Rio’s Guanabara Bay featured a glowing ferris wheel with a message inspired by Swift’s song “Blank Space,” adding to the warm welcome extended to the global superstar.
