In the middle of the cold wave that hits Curitiba, students from the 4th grade of elementary school at the Medianeira College have heated hearts when preparing an exciting tribute to the Parintins festival.
During the school June party, scheduled for July 5, they will present choreographies and props inspired by the iconic oxen (red) and capricious (blue), symbols of one of the greatest cultural manifestations in Brazil.
The initiative came from a meeting between the conducting teachers and experts, who sought Expand the cultural repertoire of students beyond the June and Southeast traditions.
“We wanted to bring something genuinely Brazilian, but often does not receive prominence outside his region. This is how the proposal to honor the Parintins festival arose,” said Portuguese language teacher Marcelo Ferreira.
To present the festival universe to children, teachers used videos and images of the original presentations. The result was immediate: charm and curiosity took over the classes.
“Many didn’t even know the tradition of Parintins. It was beautiful to see the surprise with the grandeur of the event, the indigenous legends and the strength of the costumes and the tunes,” said Marcelo.
The four classes of the 4th year were divided into two groups, each responsible for one of the oxen. They prepare dances, fantasies, and scenic elements inspired by the Bumbodrome, with flags, tiaras and choreographies that recreate the rivalry between Caprichoso and Guaranteed.
In the Curitibano case, the dispute will be only symbolic and pedagogical, without winner, valuing culture and teamwork. And even with the low temperatures, the tests followed firmly.
“It was a challenge, we adapted to closed and warm spaces, but no one wanted to give up the rehearsals. This shows how involved the students are,” said the professor.
The expectation is high between teachers, students and family. “We believe it will be one of the most striking performances of recent years. We want to arouse curiosity and admiration for northern culture ”said Marcelo, who reinforces the importance of bringing to the classroom cultural manifestations that are often invisible.
“The Northern Region holds ancestral knowledge and great artistic expressions such as the Parintins Festival. By valuing this diversity, we form more conscious, empathic and proud citizens of Brazil,” he said.
What is the Parintins Festival?
Held annually in the municipality of Parintins, Amazonas, the festival will take place last weekend of June and brings together thousands of people around the presentation of the Caprichoso and Guarantee Bumbás, which compete for the title of Champion in Three Nights of Show at the Bumbódromo, a special stage for the party.
More than one competition, the event celebrates the Amazonian legends, the indigenous roots, the folklore and culture of the riverside people, being considered one of the largest and most important folk festivals in Brazil, with enormous cultural and economic relevance to the northern region.
