Next Monday and Tuesday there will be no school due to the national holiday known as Tiradentes. Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, the famous Tiradentes, grew up in Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais. The name Tiradentes comes from the fact that he was a dentist before he took on his greater role of leader in the Inconfidência Mineira, the rebels fighting for independence from the Portuguese colonial power. As you enjoy your long weekend, remember what it honors: a hero who died fighting for Brazil’s independence.