Brazil shrugs at independence bicentennial amid coup threats

When celebrating its 200 years of independence in 2010, Chile organized more than 100 events to mark the date, inaugurating new museums and parks, and launching infrastructure works. That same year, Argentina celebrated its own independence milestone with free concerts and street parties that lasted for days. 

In Brazil, however, the mood surrounding this year’s Independence Day bicentennial on September 7 is much less festive. Instead, the country is on edge due to President Jair Bolsonaro’s constant threats against democracy. 

For more than a year, Mr. Bolsonaro has hinted that he may not accept October’s election results, which are likely to hand him a defeat.

And despite Mr. Bolsonaro’s boastfully patriotic rhetoric, his administration has prepared meager commemorations for the 200th anniversary of Brazil’s independence from Portugal. 

These include a special coin released by the Central Bank (and bashed for its pedestrian design) and postage stamps, as well as the conclusion of restoration works on monuments that relate to the journey of Pedro I when he declared independence in 1822.

The only “major” event will be the arrival of Pedro I’s heart in Brazil. The organ has been preserved and is on display in the Portuguese city of Porto. However, the Brazilian government has so far failed to announce what it intends to do with the loaned organ.

“There is widespread apathy, a complete lack of interest, an attitude of indifference on the part of the population. Officially, the outlook is equally sluggish,” wrote Rubens Ricupero, a diplomat and former finance minister, in a recent article.

Brazilians shrug at the...