The innumerable

discussion on the role of monuments as promoters of memory of the Covid 19 pandemic

Abstract

This article discusses the role of commemorative monuments as promoters of memory. Identifies and analyzes national and international initiatives with the same purpose aimed at remembering the traumatic event that occurred in recent history: the covid 19 pandemic. Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the respiratory disease was initially detected after the notification of an outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. After three years, on May 5, 2023, the end of the global emergency was announced by the WHO, but the pandemic left deep marks. Over the past few years, several commemorative monuments have been inaugurated in large or medium-sized cities across Brazil and the world with the purpose of promoting memory. Monuments and memorials have been a way of collectively marking the end of a devastating event, which has not always been overcome. The memorial practices under analysis are representative of the multiple ways of experiencing collective mourning. It is understood that these commemorative monuments can play a vital role in problematizing issues and dilemmas that impacted the fight against the Covid 19 pandemic and provoking reflection for change. Therefore, people's interaction with Covid 19 memorials can transform these places into powerful and meaningful sites – sites of conscience.