Parade opens event for cultural diversity in Natal

A cultural procession late on Wednesday afternoon (May 21) marked the beginning of the National Diversity Web, in Natal, capital city of Rio Grande do Norte. The event aims to promote Brazil’s cultural variety as part of the National Forum of Cultural Spots, which is taking place at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte and is scheduled to end next Saturday (24).

The term “cultural spots” refers to organizations that receive the support of the government for having a social focus and at least three years of attested cultural work.

Winding through the streets of the city on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the parade marked the beginning of a series of presentations held by groups from all over the country. Nearly 3,000 group members have filled the streets of Natal with colors and the sound of such traditional instrument as rabecas, fifes, maracas, zabumbas and more. Later on, the groups performed on a stage, set up after the procession.

“Hearing all these sounds and expressions in a single place at once makes us realize that, regardless of financial resources, no one can take our culture from us,” said Rosa Letícia, the member of a group from Rio Grande do Norte. “We’re here because we seek equality and support for our art,” affirmed Thiago Luiz, representing a cultural spot from Ceará.

At the forum, the 41 groups involved wrote out a document listing national and local demands, with each state having a dedicated section. The text will provide the basis for the drafting of the Letter of Natal (“Carta de Natal”), to be handed to Culture Minister Marta Suplicy on Thursday (22).

Among the demands referred to by the document are the faster approval of the Living Culture Bill (“Projeto de Lei Cultura Viva”), which still awaits consideration by the Senate, and easier access to the resources of the federal government for the Cultural Spots. The National Diversity Web aims to consolidate the Culture Ministry’s National Program for Citizenship and Cultural Diversity – Living Culture.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira

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