Culture of Maceió Takes Center Stage at Pajuçara Waterfront Festival

Maceió, November 19, 2025 - The first edition of the Cultura em Movimento Festival brought new life to the Pajuçara waterfront, transforming the area beside the Ferris wheel into a vibrant celebration of local culture. On November 15 and 16, visitors enjoyed live music, dance performances, traditional cultural showcases, hands-on activities, and a creative marketplace. The festival marked the culmination of two years of work by the Cultural Support Program alongside traditional cultural groups, one of the key initiatives within the culture and heritage pillar of the Social and Urban Action Plan (PAS).

Saturday's schedule opened with the official ceremony, followed by a capoeira roda led by Mestre Veneno and guests, a repente performance by João Procópio, presentations by the Coco de Roda Pisa na Fulô, the Afro Abayomi Group, the Junina Pé de Serra - Revivendo o São João, and a trio of sanfoneiros. On Sunday, performances began with the Pastoris Estrela de Belém and Coração Alagoano. The crowd later cheered on Coco de Roda Pau de Arara, and a special joint performance featuring Guerreiros Treme Terra and São Pedro Alagoano alongside the Cocos de Roda Los Coquitos, and Reviver. The evening once again wrapped up with lively music from a trio of sanfoneiros.

"This means so much for us. A "cantador" and professional repentista needs an audience, needs support. I'm truly happy to give something to the people in return for that support. This is deeply rewarding for any artist," said João Procópio.

Creative Market and Experience Spaces

The festival also included a marketplace showcasing local entrepreneurs, who offered handcrafted products and regional foods, including corn-based dishes and traditional Northeastern cuisine prepared by residents of Flexais, Bom Parto, Chã da Jaqueira, and Vila Saem. Many of them had taken part in cooking classes during the first workshop cycle of the Cultural Support Program.

"It's rewarding to leave home, meet a new audience, and see that they enjoy what we do. Here, we feel seen," said vendor Luana Tamara dos Santos.

Interactive "experience spaces" featured artistic makeup, musical percussion sessions, and demonstrations of filé embroidery. These stations operated throughout the event, giving visitors the chance to learn about the materials, techniques, and processes behind each cultural practice. The area also hosted an exhibit displaying objects that highlight the history of the cultural groups supported by the program.

Across both days, the activities welcomed visitors of all ages, many of them families eager to introduce their children to the city's cultural heritage. "I brought my daughter because I wanted her to experience a bit of our cultural traditions. Opportunities like this help us pass on the richness of our culture to our children," said pedagogy student Lais Fernandes.

 

Culture in PAS

The Cultural Support Program continues to promote traditional festivities in neighborhoods surrounding the resettled area. Ongoing themed activities make up a series of cultural workshops and exhibitions that encourage the exchange of traditional knowledge. By the end of the year, approximately 380 community gatherings will have taken place.

The PAS also supports grassroots cultural groups, including coco de roda groups, quadrilha junina ensembles, guerreiro troupes, and pastoris. 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.

Upcoming actions in the cultural heritage and preservation area include the launch of a cultural funding grant, the creation of a culture and identity center, and the development of 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.