Cultural and Entrepreneurship Activities Boost Children's Month in Maceió Communities

Events are part of the workshop series under the Cultural Groups Support Program, carried out within the framework of the Socio-Urban Action Plan (PAS); Families enjoyed a full schedule of games, performances, and snacks.

Maceió, October 31, 2025 - Children from the communities of Chã de Bebedouro, Chã da Jaqueira, and Vila Saem took part in a Cultural Field Day last weekend. Each neighborhood hosted its own setup for the event, which featured a variety of activities such as inflatable toys, children's entertainers, and snack giveaways, among others. The events are part of the second round of workshops offered through the Cultural Groups Support Program, implemented as part of the Socio-Urban Action Plan (PAS).

The activities for each cycle are designed in partnership with local residents and the cultural committees of the participating neighborhoods. The first cycle focused on June Festival traditions, while the second centered on activities for children. In addition to this weekend's field days, snack-making and healthy eating workshops are also underway.

For Cleide da Silva, who brought her daughters to the event in Chã de Bebedouro, the field day was a celebration of local culture. "It was a moment where they interacted and got away from the screens. It even awakened a bit of my inner child when I saw games like sack races again," she said.

 

Generating Income

One of the main goals of the Cultural Groups Support Program is to promote income generation within the communities. Residents who participate in the workshops also have a chance to showcase the products they've learned to make during the closing celebrations of each cycle.

That was the case for Juvita Souza, who helped prepare snacks for the event. "Making the children's snacks was a great opportunity. The classes are good for both the mind and the body. I started with sewing, then learned cooking, and I'm still involved in the dance workshops," she shared.

The third cycle, scheduled for December, will highlight Christmas traditions, offering workshops on seasonal foods, regional dances, and the creation of crafts and decorations. Residents interested in joining the workshops can contact the community monitors in their local cultural committees. By the end of the year, 45 free activities will have been carried out.

 

Culture in PAS

The Cultural Support Program also encourages grassroots folk culture groups from neighborhoods affected by relocation, including coco de roda, quadrilha junina, guerreiro, and pastoril ensembles. Launched in December 2023, the program supports these groups by providing resources such as choreographers, costume designers, musicians, costumes, instruments, sound equipment, and operational assistance for rehearsals and transportation.

Genivaldo Júnior, leader of the Coco de Roda Los Coquitos and dance instructor in Chã da Jaqueira, believes the program's cultural initiatives have brought meaningful benefits to the community. "In our classes, we showcase a bit of Coco de Roda, Quadrilha, Guerreiro, and Forró. During community fairs and field days, we get to engage with residents. It's a great way to spread our culture," he said.

PAS also includes other cultural and heritage initiatives. A funding call for cultural productions will be launched later this year, alongside projects to create cultural and identity spaces and develop a cultural memory archive. Currently in its final stages, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory of the Mutange, Pinheiro, Bebedouro, Bom Parto, and Farol neighborhoods is being developed by specialists from the University Foundation for Extension and Research Development (Fundepes/UFAL).

The Socio-Urban Action Plan (PAS) stems from studies outlined in the Socio-Environmental Agreement, signed by the Federal Prosecutor's Office (MPF) and Braskem, with the participation of the State Prosecutor's Office (MPE) and the Municipality of Maceió.