A touch of magic and folklore for the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30) to be held in Belém, Brazil, in November. The mascot chosen for the event is the curupiraa mythical creature from Brazilian folklore who it protects the forests and disorientates those who dare to damage them.
The curupira, with her feet turned backwards and her mischievous appearance, embodies the profound connection between Brazilian culture and nature. His choice as a mascot is obviously not random: the forests, in particular theAmazonplay a fundamental role in regulation of the global climate and their conservation is crucial to mitigate the effects of climate change.
But the curupira is not just a symbol, it is also a character rich in history and meanings. Its origins date back to the beliefs of the indigenous people of the Amazon region, who considered it a protector of animals and the forest. His figure has been handed down from generation to generation, enriched with details and local variations.
In popular tradition, the curupira is described as a small and agile being, with red hair and feet turned backwards. It is said to prowl the forest, disorientating hunters and loggers who threaten the natural balance. His presence is a warning to respect the forest and not to abuse its resources.
Curupira has also been the subject of academic studies. Some anthropologists consider it a metaphor for the forces of nature, others see it as a symbol of indigenous resistance against deforestation. His complex and multifaceted figure continues to inspire artists, writers and scholars.
The choice of the curupira as the COP30 mascot is an opportunity to make the world aware of the richness of Brazilian folklore and to raise public awareness of the importance of forest conservation. The curupira, with its symbolic strength, reminds us that the fight against climate change requires a global commitment and a profound cultural transformation.
