Terra, Fé e Cidadania na Comunidade Quilombola de João Surá (Vale do Ribeira - PR, 2009)

Summary

This transcript offers a vivid portrayal of rural life, community practices, and spirituality. It explores the mutual aid system known as *mutirão*, where neighbors support each other through shared agricultural work. The story also delves into the challenges of modern land ownership and farming practices, highlighting environmental concerns. Central to the narrative is the devotion to São Gonçalo, with pilgrimages and religious vows playing a key role in community life. Despite the hardships, the people find strength through their collective efforts, spiritual faith, and vibrant social celebrations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script features a community deeply involved in mutual aid practices, where people help each other through activities like 'mutirões' (community work efforts) and social dances, fostering friendship and mutual respect.
• 😀 The land has undergone significant changes due to external pressures such as farming, forestry, and corporate land acquisitions. Traditional agricultural practices are being replaced by large-scale commercial interests.
• 😀 There is an ongoing tension between modern agricultural practices and traditional ways of living. Many members of the community continue to use older techniques for farming, such as planting mandioca and raising livestock, despite pressures from industrial farming.
• 😀 People reminisce about the past when land was free to roam and there were fewer restrictions on land use. The availability of land has decreased, leading to new challenges for those wishing to farm.
• 😀 The community is concerned about the environmental impact of large-scale forestry, particularly the planting of pines. The methods used, such as herbicide application and the alignment of planting lines along the slopes, accelerate soil erosion and contribute to water contamination.
• 😀 Water contamination is a serious concern, with the use of herbicides and other chemicals potentially impacting local water sources and agricultural production. There is awareness that these chemicals can persist in the soil for years.
• 😀 The land is no longer as productive as it once was. People have had to adapt by finding new ways to grow food, including planting closer to their homes due to the destruction of the land by larger agricultural operations.
• 😀 Traditional healing practices and remedies, such as medicinal herbs, teas, and oils, play a key role in the community's healthcare, as many cannot afford medical treatments or access hospitals.
• 😀 There is a spiritual and cultural aspect to the community’s way of life. Rituals and promises to figures like São Gonçalo are deeply embedded in daily activities and are a source of strength and solidarity for the community members.
• 😀 The community faces an existential struggle as they balance maintaining their land and traditions while being pressured by external commercial and governmental forces. Despite this, they remain resilient and continue to uphold their customs, fostering a strong sense of identity and perseverance.

Q & A

What is the significance of 'João Surá' in the script?

João Surá is a central figure in the narrative, symbolizing a devotion to community and tradition. His legacy is honored through religious practices and celebrations, particularly the Romaria, which celebrates his memory and the devotion of his followers.

How does the concept of 'mutirão' function within the community?

'Mutirão' refers to a collective effort where members of the community come together to work on a shared task, such as planting crops or helping with farm work. This system fosters mutual support, with individuals helping each other without the expectation of direct compensation, but rather through a cultural exchange, like a communal dance or celebration afterward.

What role does religion play in the lives of the characters in the transcript?

Religion, particularly the veneration of São Gonçalo and the Divine Holy Spirit, plays a pivotal role in the lives of the characters. It provides spiritual guidance, shapes the traditions and promises made by individuals, and serves as a source of strength in times of difficulty, such as in healing or fulfilling personal vows.

What challenges do the farmers face in the script?

The farmers face several challenges, including land limitations due to encroachment by larger businesses, the impact of modern agricultural practices like herbicide use, and the difficulty in making a sustainable living from traditional farming. Additionally, the pressure from external forces like large farming enterprises complicates their ability to preserve their way of life.

How has the landscape changed in the region described in the transcript?

The landscape has undergone significant changes due to industrial agriculture. The native vegetation, including on hilltops, has been cleared to make room for monoculture plantations, such as pine trees, which accelerates soil erosion and impacts water quality in nearby rivers. These changes have been detrimental to both the environment and local communities.

What is the significance of the 'roçado' and 'mandioca' mentioned in the script?

The 'roçado' refers to the agricultural plots where crops like 'mandioca' (cassava) are grown. Mandioca is a staple food, and its cultivation is an important part of local subsistence farming. The script reflects the labor-intensive process of farming and the role of these crops in sustaining the community's livelihood.

How does the community view the commercialization of land?

The community is hesitant and resistant to selling their land, as it is tied to their identity and survival. There is a deep connection to the land, and selling it would mean losing their way of life. However, external pressures from businesses and landowners make it difficult for them to maintain control over their properties.

What is the impact of pesticide use in the region described in the transcript?

The use of herbicides in the region is harmful both to the environment and the community. It accelerates soil erosion and contaminates water sources, leading to long-term ecological damage. The toxic chemicals also pose health risks, as they remain in the soil for years and can affect local wildlife and humans alike.

What role does storytelling and oral history play in the community?

Storytelling and oral history are vital to preserving the traditions and values of the community. Through tales of figures like João Surá and religious practices, the community passes down knowledge, rituals, and collective memories, helping to maintain cultural identity and spiritual connections.

What are the social and economic dynamics within the rural community?

The rural community operates on a system of mutual aid and cooperation, with social events like the 'baile' (dance) reinforcing bonds between people. Economically, the community struggles with limited resources and small-scale farming. However, they rely on their collective labor and self-sufficiency, despite facing pressures from larger agricultural enterprises.