GRANDE REPORTAGEM ALEGORIAS DOS BOIS-BUMBÁS DE PARINTINS - PARINTINS

Summary

The Parintins Folklore Festival, celebrated in the Amazonian rainforest, is a vibrant cultural event that showcases traditional folklore, dance, and music. Held annually at the end of June, it features two main associations, Caprichoso and Garantido, who compete in a spectacular display of toadas, dances, and allegorical structures. These structures, often towering up to 17 meters, are a product of meticulous craftsmanship and artistic collaboration. The festival has grown into an internationally recognized event, highlighting the richness of Amazonian traditions and Indigenous lore, with thousands of visitors coming to witness the performances and creativity behind this unique celebration.

Takeaways

• 😀 Parintins is a cultural and folkloric hub in the Brazilian Amazon, celebrating traditions for over 48 years.
• 😀 The Parintins Folklore Festival occurs annually on the last weekend of June, drawing around 70,000 visitors.
• 😀 The festival features the competition between two Boi Bumbá teams, Caprichoso and Garantido, represented by blue and red colors.
• 😀 The festival showcases 21 categories, divided into musical, scenic, choreographic, and artistic blocks, with performances evaluated by judges.
• 😀 Large, elaborate allegories, some reaching up to 17 meters in height, play a central role in the festival's grandeur.
• 😀 The first allegories appeared in 1976 with Boi Bumbá Garantido, and have evolved with professional craftsmanship over the years.
• 😀 Jair Mendes, a key figure in allegory development, drew inspiration from Rio de Janeiro's samba schools, incorporating elements into Parintins' Boi Bumbá.
• 😀 Artists and folklorists from Parintins develop allegories, often based on indigenous legends, lendas (legends), and cultural rituals.
• 😀 Allegories are carefully planned, designed, and constructed months before the festival, with skilled artists involved in various stages from concept to completion.
• 😀 The Bumbódromo arena hosts the festival's performances, where the allegories are displayed, and the final touches are made just before the event.
• 😀 The festival reflects the folklore, culture, and myths of the Amazonian people, with symbolic figures such as the Cunhã-Poranga (representing a girl), the flag bearer, and the Queen of Folklore.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Parintins Folklore Festival?

The Parintins Folklore Festival, held annually in the Amazon rainforest, is a major cultural event that celebrates folklore, traditions, and the popular manifestations of the Amazon region. It is famous for its vibrant performances of the Boi Bumbá, with the two main groups, Caprichoso and Garantido, competing in a celebration of local culture and customs.

Where and when is the Parintins Festival celebrated?

The Parintins Folklore Festival is celebrated in Parintins, located 369 km from Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon. The event takes place every year during the last weekend of June.

What is the role of the 'Bumbódromo' in the festival?

The 'Bumbódromo' is the venue where the festival's main performances take place. It is a large arena where the two competing Boi Bumbá groups, Caprichoso and Garantido, perform their elaborate shows, complete with intricate costumes, dance, and music.

How are the allegorical structures for the festival created?

The allegorical structures for the Parintins Festival are designed and built months in advance. The process involves selecting themes, designing structures, and creating large-scale sculptures. Artists, including welders, painters, and sculptors, work together to bring these structures to life.

Who is responsible for the development of the allegories and the festival's visual elements?

Jair Mendes, a prominent figure in the development of the festival’s visual elements, is responsible for the creation and evolution of the allegories. He introduced techniques learned in Rio de Janeiro to enhance the festival's artistic value.

What role does the 'Conselho de Arte' (Art Council) play in the festival?

The Art Council is responsible for creating the festival's thematic concepts, selecting songs (toadas), and ensuring the overall artistic integrity of the performances. It coordinates the creation of the Boi Bumbá’s identity and ensures that the toadas and allegories align with the chosen themes.

How are the toadas selected for the festival?

Toadas, the traditional songs that accompany the festival’s performances, are selected through a process involving the Art Council. The chosen toadas must align with the theme of the festival and reflect elements of Amazonian folklore, culture, and traditions.

How are the allegorical modules for the festival transported and assembled?

The allegorical modules are transported to the festival site, a process that involves a team of 180 men who carry out the task of moving the large structures from the production area to the Parintins festival grounds. The modules are assembled in the Bumbódromo, where final adjustments and testing are done.

What materials are used to create the allegories for the festival?

The allegories are made from a combination of materials including wood, metal, cardboard, and foam. These materials are used to create the large-scale sculptures, which are then painted and finished with detailed decoration.

What is the cultural significance of the Boi Bumbá festival for the Amazonian people?

The Boi Bumbá festival is an important expression of Amazonian culture, highlighting regional folklore, indigenous traditions, and local beliefs. It is a celebration of the diverse cultural heritage of the Amazon and serves as a way for the people to preserve and share their cultural identity.