Northeastern state of Alagoas celebrates the Day of Black Consciousness with cultural activities

Grupo Afoxé Afaomim performs on mounted stages in downtown Maceió
Grupo Afoxé Afaomim performs on mounted stages in downtown Maceió

Note from BW of Brazil: Yesterday was November 20th, Brazil’s National Day of Black Consciousness, and displays of Afro-Brazilian culture were vibrant throughout the country in the various cultural performances and marches. In the brief write up and photos below, we see the view from the northeastern state of Alagoas.

Grupo Afro Afoxé pumped up the public with their percussive sounds
Grupo Afro Afoxé pumped up the public with their percussive sounds

Alagoas celebrates the Day of Black Consciousness with cultural activities

Celebration takes place at the Parque Memorial Quilombo dos Palmares (Quilombo dos Palmares Memorial Park), in the Serra da Barriga, starting at 4pm, with extensive programming

Capoeira brings together artistic, cultural performances and dances of the Orixás
Capoeira brings together artistic, cultural performances and dances of the Orixás

By Valéria Guimarães

The program of the National Day of Black Consciousness, which takes place on Thursday – November 20 – promoted by the Fundação Cultural Palmares (Palmares Cultural Foundation), with support from the Government of Alagoas and in partnership with the City Hall of União dos Palmares, includes cultural activities, lectures, competitions, social projects and the unveiling of a new statue of the hero Zumbi. Religious followers of African origin also climb the Serra da Barriga on Thursday and participated in special ceremonies.

Mãe Vera (in white) says that the date is important for the Movimento Negro of the Alagoas
Mãe Vera (in white) says that the date is important for the Movimento Negro of the Alagoas

In Alagoas, traditionally the celebration of the National Day of Black Consciousness in the Quilombo dos Palmares National Park, in the Serra da Barriga, located in União dos Palmares, brings together hundreds from the state and visitors.

Statue of Zumbi dos Palmares in the city of União dos Palmares, in Alagoas
Statue of Zumbi dos Palmares in the city of União dos Palmares, in Alagoas

The date that was celebrated only in some states had this year appreciation and highlight with the enactment of Federal Law No. 12.519, which established the National Day of Zumbi and Black Consciousness, which is officially celebrated nationwide on November 20th.

Various musical groups performed in Praça Palmares downtown
Various musical groups performed in Praça Palmares downtown

Programming

Programming in Serra da Barriga will open at 4pm with a ceremony honoring the ancestors of the  Religious followers of African Matrix, about 300 religious followers coming from Maceió and União dos Palmares. At 8am there will be reverence to African ancestors (Iségún Káwójuba) and a procession with 80 local yalorixas, opening the Visitation of the Quilombo dos Palmares Memorial Park. At 9am there will be Afro-Brazilian degustation (breakfast with 300 authorities and babalorixás and yalorixas) at the Park restaurant.

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The program continues at 10am with homage to Zumbi, with the laying of the wreath and-gun salute followed by Artistic, Cultural and Dance of the Orixás presentation. At noon the Afro-Brazilian degustation of Afro-Brazilian cuisine will take place in the park’s restaurant and between 1pm and 5pm the presentations from local cultural groups.

Source: Agência Alagoas

About Marques Travae 3747 Articles
Marques Travae. For more on the creator and editor of BLACK WOMEN OF BRAZIL, see the interview here.

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