In January 1996, something extraordinary happened in Varginha, Brazil. Three young women claimed to have encountered a strange, non-human creature near a military barracks. Now, 30 years later, Brazil is commemorating the incident with a new museum and documentary — and the mystery remains.
In January 1996, something extraordinary happened in Varginha, a small city in Brazil. Multiple witnesses — including military personnel — reported seeing a strange, non-human creature. Three young women claimed to have encountered an “extraterrestrial being” near a military barracks.
Now, 30 years later, The Guardian is covering the anniversary, and Brazil is commemorating the incident with new efforts to document what happened.
Advertisement
What Happened in 1996
The encounters:
- Multiple sightings of a strange, small creature with “oily” skin
- Three women — Liliane, Valquíria, and Angela — claimed to have seen the being on January 20, 1996
- Military units were deployed; witnesses say they saw the creature being captured
The creature:
- Described as approximately 1.5 meters tall
- “Oily” or “wet” looking skin
- Large eyes, no hair
- Moved in an unusual way
- Emitted a bad smell
The aftermath:
- An army investigation was launched
- A police intelligence officer who reportedly grappled with the being died from an unexplained infection
- Rumors of a cover-up have persisted for 30 years
The Cover-Up Narrative
For three decades, conspiracy theorists have argued that:
- The Brazilian military captured the creature
- The incident was covered up at the highest levels
- Physical evidence was hidden or destroyed
- Witnesses were silenced or intimidated
The Brazilian army has consistently denied these claims.
The 30th Anniversary
To mark the anniversary:
- New museum: A Varginha museum dedicated to the incident has opened
