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Taylor Swift Receives Warm Welcome from Rio’s Iconic Christ Statue, Courtesy of Swifties and a Priest

by Lucas Garcia
1 comment
Taylor Swift Rio Concert Incident

Taylor Swift’s arrival in Brazil for her Eras Tour was met with a spectacular display of hospitality, as Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue extended its open arms to welcome the pop superstar. The 125-foot statue, known worldwide, was adorned with a projected image of a Swift-inspired T-shirt, setting the stage for an unforgettable moment.

This heartwarming gesture was made possible by Swift’s dedicated fanbase, known as the Swifties, and was orchestrated by the Christ the Redeemer Archdiocesan Sanctuary, the custodian of the famous statue. The story began when Swift’s fans took to social media, urging Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes to project the likeness of the “Junior Jewels” shirt from Swift’s “You Belong with Me” music video onto the iconic monument. Their plea quickly went viral.

Mayor Paes, who has previously referred to Taylor Swift as the “Madonna of our times,” responded to the fans’ request by vowing to discuss the matter with Reverend Omar Raposo, the rector of the sanctuary. The mayor then shared his commitment on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “Okay, I did my part! From today onwards, I ask all fan clubs to direct their requests about the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer to our beloved Archdiocese. Friend Father Omar, the ball is in your court!”

In a heartwarming exchange, the priest, who oversees the popular Catholic site, challenged Swifties to raise funds to provide food and drinks for the upcoming Catholic Church’s World Day of the Poor, scheduled for Sunday. Remarkably, in just one day of crowdfunding, fans managed to raise approximately 180,000 reais, equivalent to around $37,000. This sum covered the costs of 20,000 loaves of panettones, a traditional sweet yeast bread, and bottled water for Rio’s homeless population, as confirmed by the sanctuary.

With the fundraising goal met, the grand illumination of the statue took place on Thursday night. A small team from the sanctuary, along with a group of Swifties, promptly distributed the food and drinks to those in need that same evening.

Reverend Omar Raposo commented on this incredible initiative, saying, “Young people like challenges. So we directed the energy of fans to do good. This can and will be replicated! It’s a mobilization for solidarity, Christ the Redeemer descending the Corcovado mountain to impact society.”

The Christ the Redeemer statue, an enduring symbol of Christianity, was inaugurated almost a century ago, with the idea conceived by a priest even earlier. Today, the statue with its outstretched arms welcomes countless tourists who come to capture memorable selfies. In 2017, it was rightfully elected as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has not only captivated Brazil but has also garnered special welcomes in various cities across the United States, where she has been declared an honorary mayor and had stadiums renamed in her honor. As she continues her international leg of the tour, fans from around the world are coming together to celebrate her music and the positive impact she brings to their communities.

As Hely Olivares, a dedicated fan from Venezuela living in Panama City, aptly puts it, “There is a historical element that caught my attention, with the mobilization of so many people. We did it Swifties!”

In a heartfelt Instagram post on the Christ the Redeemer official account, accompanied by an aerial 360-degree video of the illuminated statue, the message rang clear: “You were able to show all your love for Taylor and for your neighbor.”


This article, authored by [Author Name], provides a detailed account of the heartwarming welcome Taylor Swift received from Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue, orchestrated by her devoted fans, the Swifties, and supported by the Christ the Redeemer Archdiocesan Sanctuary. It highlights the charitable aspect of the gesture, with funds raised by fans contributing to a noble cause. The article captures the essence of the moment and its significance within the context of Taylor Swift’s global tour.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Taylor Swift Welcome

What prompted the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro to welcome Taylor Swift?

The welcoming gesture from the Christ the Redeemer statue was prompted by Taylor Swift’s devoted fanbase, known as the Swifties, who initiated the idea on social media. They requested the projection of a Swift-inspired T-shirt onto the iconic monument, and the idea gained viral traction.

Who played a key role in making this welcome happen?

The Christ the Redeemer Archdiocesan Sanctuary, responsible for managing the statue, played a crucial role in orchestrating the welcome. Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes also supported the idea and took it to Reverend Omar Raposo, the rector of the sanctuary.

What charitable act was associated with this welcome?

As part of the welcoming gesture, Reverend Omar Raposo challenged Swifties to raise funds for the Catholic Church’s World Day of the Poor. In just one day, fans raised a significant amount, covering the cost of providing food and drinks to Rio’s homeless population.

What significance does the Christ the Redeemer statue hold?

The Christ the Redeemer statue is an iconic symbol of Christianity and has been welcoming tourists for nearly a century. In 2017, it was recognized as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, making it a globally renowned landmark.

How has Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour been received in various cities?

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour has received special welcomes in different cities, including declarations of her as an honorary mayor and the renaming of stadiums in her honor in the United States. The tour has been a source of excitement and mobilization for fans worldwide.

More about Taylor Swift Welcome

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1 comment

RioExplorer November 18, 2023 - 7:39 am

Such a amazin’ story ’bout da iconic Christ statue in Rio. Props to Swift fans & da priest!

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