Brazilian Catholic worshippers and volunteers laid handmade, eco-friendly rugs at the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro [1, 2].
The event blended traditional religious observance with a call for environmental sustainability. By using recycled fabrics to create the carpets, participants sought to highlight the intersection of spiritual faith and the protection of the planet [2].
The gathering took place to mark Corpus Christi Day. While sources differ on the exact date, reports indicate the event occurred on a Thursday in June 2025, with one source citing June 4 [2] and another citing June 19 [1].
Participants created the colorful rugs from recycled materials to emphasize a commitment to sustainability. This artistic expression served as a public plea for environmental stewardship, with some volunteers specifically calling for the protection of the environment ahead of U.S. and United Nations climate talks [1, 2].
The tradition of laying rugs for Corpus Christi is a recognized practice in Brazil, but the use of eco-friendly materials adds a contemporary layer of activism to the ritual. The volunteers aimed to transform a spiritual celebration into a visible statement about the urgent need for ecological preservation [2].
The activity at the feet of the iconic statue drew attention to the role of religious communities in advocating for climate action. The handmade carpets remained at the base of the monument as a temporary installation of faith and environmentalism [1, 2].
“Worshippers combined spirituality, art, and sustainability.”
This event reflects a growing trend within Latin American religious communities to integrate 'integral ecology'—the idea that social justice and environmental protection are inseparable from spiritual life. By placing these rugs at one of the world's most visible landmarks, the group leveraged religious tradition to amplify a political and ecological message on a global stage.
