. . DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION . .
An article from the Government of Bahia
Sunday (25) was a day of celebration and encouragement of a culture of peace in Pelourinho, with a free cultural program integrated into the project Summer in Bahia by the Government of Bahia, through the Secretariat of Culture (Secult-BA). With attractions for all ages, the squares of the Historic Center were filled with the public, reaffirming the territory as a space of diversity, respect and living culture.
Photo: Ascom/Secult-BALargo Tereza Batista vibrated with the powerful female percussion of the Banda Didá, which enchanted the audience and welcomed Daniela Mercury as a special guest. Meanwhile, at Largo Pedro Archanjo, the BeatBom group enlivened the night with a diverse and vibrant repertoire, engaging the audience.
Children’s programming also had its place throughout the day. At Largo Pedro Archanjo, Tio Paulinho led games and activities for children and their families. At Largo Quincas Berro D’Água, the Afro Ibéji Cultural Contest celebrated the beauty of children, strengthening self-esteem and Black identity from childhood. At Terreiro de Jesus, the Pedro Calmon Foundation brought the Mobile Library (BIBEX), with reading and storytelling.
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Can festivals help create peace at the community level?
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Hey! Here comes GANDHY! – At Largo do Pelourinho, the 6th edition of the Cultural Festival of Peace, promoted by the Filhos de Gandhy, transformed the space into a great manifesto for peace and respect for differences. The event brought together special guests such as Daniela Mercury, Gabriel Mercury, Afrocidade, Gerônimo Santana, and Orisun, bringing to the public the strength of afoxé, ancestry, and the message of peace that marks the trajectory of the bloco.
For singer Gerônimo Santana, Gandhy continues to be an inspiration over the decades. He performed classics such as “É D’Oxum” and “Jubiabá” and spoke about his relationship with afoxé: “I’ve been participating in Gandhy since 1982. It’s not the first time I’ve participated, and Gandhy is an inspiration to all of us by uniting people, promoting peace and tranquility,” the artist highlighted.
The Secretary for the Promotion of Racial Equality, Ângela Guimarães, reinforced the significance of the festival and the State’s commitment to a culture of peace: “This Cultural Festival of Peace carries a very strong message of respect, coexistence, and celebration of our ancestry. The Government of Bahia is keen to embrace this call, in defense of a plural and peaceful Historic Center. We are very happy to see Largo do Pelourinho packed, in a space where there is no room for racism or religious intolerance,” she stated.
With 40 years of Gandhy, it’s always time to be enchanted. Marivaldo Alves recounts his strong identification with the afoxé: “Listening to this Gandhy music moves me so much, it means so much to me. Every young person should know it!”, he recommends.
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