Guriatã Festival celebrates Northeastern traditions in Paraíba

From November 14 to 16, the Guriatã Festival brings together masters and artists to celebrate cocos, cirandas and mazurcas in Paraíba.

Paraíba is preparing for one of the year’s most anticipated cultural gatherings. The Guriatã Festival – Meeting of Cocos, Cirandas and Mazurcas takes place at Espaço Energisa (João Pessoa) and Fazenda Coração de Mãe (Conde). It is conceived by Zé Silva and produced by the Estrela Dalva Collective and B15 Arte.

Valuing cultural roots

The festival emerges as a celebration and articulation of Northeastern traditions, with the purpose of awakening, not rescuing, the playful practices that shape popular culture. “The past seven years were dedicated to fighting for public policies that value our traditions,” says Zé Silva.

“Now, Guriatã brings together masters, dancers, and researchers with the same purpose: to keep our roots alive without losing their essence to commercial logic.”

Intangible heritage and recognition

Recognized as intangible heritage of Paraíba since 2021, these manifestations represent the heartbeat of the Northeast: collective singing, circle dancing, and knowledge passed from body to body and voice to voice. According to Zé Silva, the goal is for coco, ciranda, and mazurca to be recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In 2025, an important milestone was achieved with the creation of the National Day of Cocos, Cirandas and Mazurcas. Furthermore, the recognition process by IPHAN is underway, driven by initiatives from Paraíba.

Program and attractions

The lineup features key names of Northeastern culture, such as Samba de Coco Raízes de Arcoverde (PE), Mestre Zé Zuca and Caiana dos Crioulos (PB), Verdelinhos (AL), Samba de Parêia da Mussuca (SE), and Mestre Bule-Bule (BA). Also joining are Coco do Congo, Ciranda dos Tupinambás, Coco de Iguape, Coco de Zambê, Mestre Inácio, and as Ceguinhas de Campina Grande.

Beyond performances, visitors can participate in workshops, discussion circles, and educational experiences connecting art, ancestry, and territory. The entire event will be documented in a medium-length film, expanding visibility and cultural tourism in the region.

A space for dialogue and reinvention

For B15 Arte, Guriatã is more than a festival. It is a space for listening and reinvention of traditions, bridging masters and new expressions. “Our role is to amplify these voices and build bridges between popular culture and contemporary languages, with respect and aesthetic coherence,” states the curatorial team.

Service

Guriatã Festival – Meeting of Cocos, Cirandas and Mazurcas
Date: November 14–16, 2025
Locations: Espaço Energisa – João Pessoa (PB) and Fazenda Coração de Mãe – Conde (PB)
Registrations: festivalguriata.com