Sergipana recognized as one of the tallest women in the world dies in Aracaju | Sergipe

Maria Feliciana dos Santos, 2.25 meters tall, nationally recognized as one of the tallest women in the world in a competition held by presenter Chacrinha, died this Saturday (27), at the age of 77. The information was confirmed by family members.

According to her family, she was admitted to a private hospital in Aracaju. There is still no information about the cause of death, wake and burial.

Born in Amparo do São Francisco, Maria Feliciana toured several cities performing in circuses. In the 60s, she was elected the tallest woman in the world in a contest held by the program Hora da Buzina, by presenter Chacrinha, when she received the title of ‘Queen of Height’.

Throughout her life, Maria Feliciana’s name was also immortalized by naming the largest building in the state in the 70s, located in the center of Aracaju. Named Edifício Estado de Sergipe, the building is recognized by Sergipe residents as Maria Feliciana.

In May 2022, she was honored by the Museu da Gente Sergipana with a bronze statue at the entrance to the site. The Giro Sergipe Program highlighted Maria Feliciana’s life trajectory, see here.

O Mayor of Aracaju Edvaldo Nogueira decreed three days of mourning in the capital and talked about death. “It was with sadness that I received the news of the death of Maria Feliciana from Sergipe. One of the tallest women in the world [..] I remember the first time I saw Maria Feliciana, I was still a child. It was in Pão de Açúcar, the city where I was born. Her presence caused a lot of movement. My condolences to family, friends and admirers! May God comfort your hearts.”

“I receive with regret the news of the passing of Maria Feliciana dos Santos. Sergipana de Amparo de São Francisco, she was nationally recognized as one of the tallest women in the country, measuring 2.25 meters tall. Maria Feliciana left a remarkable legacy, having her name immortalized in the largest building in our state. She took the name of Sergipe and our popular culture to Brazil and is represented in the Museu da Gente Sergipana, a space dedicated to our identity. My condolences to family and friends in this moment of pain,” he said. governor of Sergipe, Fábio Mitidieri.

O senator Laércio Oliveira (PP) spoke about the representation of Sergipe. “More than queen, Maria Feliciana is one of the symbols of Sergipe’s perseverance. She made her height a brand that took the name of our state to Brazil and other countries. A woman who will be missed, but always remembered for her affectionate nickname, the name of our tallest building and her performance on the basketball courts. May God receive you in his grace and comfort your family and friends.”

“With sadness, we received the news of Maria Feliciana’s passing. Her exceptional stature not only made her stand out worldwide, but also made her an example of strength and pride for us all. May her memory be honored forever and ever,” he said Senator Rogério Carvalho (PT).