Lawmakers and forró musicians are advocating for forró to be declared an intangible cultural heritage of the country.

247 - Parliamentarians and forró musicians from all over the country affirmed the importance of recognizing and registering traditional forró as an intangible cultural heritage of the nation. The debate was an initiative of Senator Fátima Bezerra, who participated in a public hearing of the Regional Development and Tourism Commission along with artists and other congress members. This recognition will guarantee the appreciation of forró musicians, the June festivals, and tourism, especially in the Northeast region.

"Forró is one of the most expressive popular forms of expression among the Brazilian population. It's important to preserve this memory," he argued.

The congresswoman highlighted the importance of allocating parliamentary amendments so that Iphan (National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage) can complete the study on safeguarding forró music.

According to the vice-president of the CDR, Senator Lídice da Mata, the recognition of forró as intangible heritage is fundamental for strengthening the identity of the people of the Northeast, as well as stimulating the sector's economy. "I am totally in favor of the proposal," she stated.

After the public hearing, the forró musicians and parliamentarians made their way to the Senate Presidency, filling the corridors of the Federal Senate with the lively sound of their accordions. Upon receiving the visitors, the Senate President, Eunício Oliveira, said that, just as he did with the vaquejada (a traditional Brazilian rodeo-like event), he would defend forró culture as an important tradition of Brazilian culture. "Forró is our history. You can count on my support," declared the senator, shortly before taking Senator Fátima to dance.

Debate

The president of the Balaio Nordeste Cultural Association, Joana Alves, a pioneer of the initiative, highlighted the history of the struggle and mobilization of the movement for the inclusion of forró as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Brazil. "We want respect and due recognition for our culture. Forró belongs to everyone. It's not just music," she said.

The project coordinator of the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage – IPHAN, Deyvesson Israel Alves, informed that, in addition to popular recognition, it is fundamental to identify the traditional origins of forró so that the registration can be granted. "After the process, a dossier is produced, describing the national value of forró and identifying the forró community. Registration is important so that we can include forró in public policies and safeguard this heritage. We count on the collaboration of parliamentarians in presenting amendments to continue the study, which is estimated at around R$1,3 million," highlighted Deyvesson. Senator Fátima Bezerra and Federal Deputy Luiz Couto have each allocated amendments of R$100 so that the research could begin this year.

The public hearing was attended by Senators Humberto Costa, Lindbergh Farias, José Medeiros, and Regina Sousa; Federal Deputy Luciana Santos; District Deputy Chico Vigilante; and several mayors from the Northeast region. The panel discussion included the president of the Bahia Forró Commission, Rozania Macedo; the executive secretary of Culture of Paraíba, Jonildo Cavalcanti da Silva; the undersecretary of Cultural Heritage of the Federal District, Gustavo Pacheco; and the coordinator of the Forró Consortium of the Federal District, Marques Célio. Representing Rio Grande do Norte, Roberto do Acordeon, Iranilda Santana (Deusa do Forró), and Carol Benigno also participated in the debate. "Safeguarding the roots of forró means not only preserving our memory, but also offering our people the conditions to freely experience, in all its potential and diversity, our culture and our identity. Long live traditional forró!" celebrated Carol Benigno, a student from Rio Grande do Norte and forró enthusiast.

José Luiz da Rocha, nephew of Luiz Gonzaga, known as the king of baião, was specially invited to the meeting. "My uncle would certainly be proud of this movement you are making in defense of forró, of the preservation of our culture," he emphasized.

Events

The inclusion of forró music in the list of intangible cultural heritage of the country will be the subject of several debates this year. On the 13th, the Culture Committee of the Chamber of Deputies will hold a public hearing, at the request of Deputy Luciana Santos. On June 14th, the Senate's Regional Development Committee, at the suggestion of Senator Fátima, will debate the topic in the Legislative Assembly of Rio Grande do Norte. Debates will also be held, at the initiative of the National Forum of Traditional Forró, in Brasília (August), Bahia (September) and Ceará (November).