Culture-driven responses to territorial fragility: The case of Parintins, Brazil  

Abstract

Parintins is internationally known for the Bumba Meu Boi, a major folk festival, second in importance in Brazil only to the Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. Situated deep in the Amazon, this remote city is accessible solely by boat or air, presenting seemingly insurmountable challenges to hosting such a significant annual event. Distance, dependence on fluvial transport and a chronic lack of infrastructure exacerbate logistical challenges during the festival and hinder local development throughout the whole year. Moreover, its location along the Amazon River exposes the city to climate-related risks including heavy rains, erosion, floods, and landslides.

In response to these multifaceted challenges, the community of Parintins has strategically leveraged its rich folk traditions and local art. Substantial investments have been directed towards developing necessary festival infrastructure and adapting the city to accommodate the influx of tens of thousands of visitors within a short timeframe. Combining tradition and innovation, the festival contributes to the local economy and provides livelihoods to thousands of residents in the region. More importantly, it embodies a powerful idea around which residents reflect on their traditions while building a shared vision of their future.

This study investigates the pivotal role of culture as a catalyst for development in a context devoid of essential physical infrastructure. Specifically, we analyze the landscape transformation influenced by tourism policies and programs promoting the Bumba Meu Boi. Drawing on more than 30 field observations from 2021 and 2022, along with 28 semi-structured interviews with key informants, we compare primary data with mapping techniques and analyze over 50 reports, plans, and official documents.

Our findings underscore how cultural initiatives, and the preservation of local traditions can effectively mitigate risks and enhance capacities in disadvantaged territories and communities. These insights challenge traditional perceptions of climate resilience and vulnerability, highlighting the transformative potential of art and culture in fostering territorial anti-fragility.

Palabras clave: Amazon; Territorial fragility; Culture; Innovation; Risk reduction