Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, commonly known as Tiradentes, was a Brazilian dentist, soldier, and national hero born on November 3, 1746. He played a significant role in the Inconfidência Mineira, a movement aimed at gaining independence from Portuguese colonial rule in the late 18th century. Tiradentes was arrested in 1789 for his involvement in the conspiracy and was executed on April 21, 1792. His martyrdom made him a symbol of the struggle for Brazilian independence, and he is celebrated annually on Tiradentes Day, a national holiday in Brazil.