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Lightning strike gives spectacular view of Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer

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Pablo Cesio - published on 03/05/23
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A Brazilian amateur photographer took advantage of the stormy weather last month.

Rio de Janeiro's statue of Christ the Redeemer, which is more than 90 years old, is one of the most emblematic images in Latin America. This majestic structure also has won devotion due to its open arms, a sign of blessing for all those who draw near or simply contemplate it from a distance.

Undoubtedly, over the years this iconic image has accompanied countless events in both world and regional history. For many it was a sign of the Lord’s closeness during the most difficult times Brazil had to face during the coronavirus pandemic, with millions of deaths in the South American country. Throughout the past years of crisis, Christ the Redeemer has always been there.

Now it’s making the news for another reason: a photo that has been described as breathtaking, spectacular, prodigious, among other superlatives. The picture was posted on February 11 by a Brazilian amateur photographer, Fernando Braga. On Friday, February 10th, the weather was stormy in Rio de Janeiro. It was a good opportunity for Fernando to set up his camera to get a memorable shot of Christ the Redeemer, one of his favorite subjects (as he revealed to CNN Brazil).

It took a lot of patience and planning for the photographer to succeed in capturing this fleeting moment, when an impressive lightning bolt seems to cut the sky in two at the instant it touches the gigantic statue of Christ.

In total, Fernando had to wait three hours and take more than 500 shots to capture the long-awaited moment. See many more incredible images of Christ the Redeemer at Fernando's instagram account.

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