The Dia de Reis, celebrated on January 6, marks the traditional end of the Christmas celebrations and holds deep cultural significance, especially within the communities of Ceará, Brazil. This year, the observance aligns with the XVII Mostra Estadual Ceará Ciclo Natalino 2024 festivities, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
This annual celebration, rooted in Catholic tradition, commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the newborn Jesus, symbolizing the end of the Christmas season. It has become customary for families to dismantle their Christmas decorations on this day, as it signifies the closure of the holiday period. This year, festivities began with lively and colorful performances on January 5, continuing through the Dia de Reis itself.
At the Complexo Cultural Estação das Artes, the spirit of celebration was palpable as vibrant cazumbás from the bumba meu boi tradition paraded, enchanting both children and adults. With music titled “Entre marchas e benditos, o Natal do Ceará ao som das cabaçais,” the event featured diverse artistic performances from 16 different natal groups statewide. Hildebrando Maciel, the curator of the event, shared insights on the importance of this festival as part of the Ceará Culture Secretariat’s initiatives to promote traditional cultural expressions.
“This showcase is part of broader actions undertaken by the Secult/CE,” Maciel explained. “We aim to celebrate various cultural cycles, including Carnivals, Holy Week, and Christmas. Realizing this event over two days is significant to include groups who traditionally hold celebrations on January 6.” This change reflects the authorities’ acknowledgment of local customs and the importance of making space for varied cultural expressions.
This year, the celebrations paid tribute to Mestre Cícero Ribeiro, recognized as a living treasure of Ceará culture, who has held firm the legacy of cabaçal bands through generations. “I started playing when I was just his size,” Ribeiro remarked, highlighting the significance of passing down knowledge. He leads the São José band, which is close to its bicentennial anniversary, demonstrating the soundness of family tradition.
“Today, we have the sixth generation represented, my grandson, Antonio, who only four, is already learning the instruments,” he proudly proclaimed. This continuity of tradition is echoed by Francisco Ribeiro, Mestre Cícero’s son, who noted the dwindling number of cabaçal bands over the years. “It’s sad to see many dissolve because the older generations did not pass on their wisdom,” he noted, underlining the importance of mentorship within the community.
At the heart of these celebrations lies community engagement and the promotion of traditional arts. Jéssica Ohara, coordinator of Cultural Heritage and Memory at Secult/CE, emphasized the significance of events like these, stating, “We are trying to plant the seed of awareness among children. They must understand the traditions’ roots and how they shape our society.” The interactive nature of the event fosters connections between generations, nurturing cultural appreciation.
The cultural showcase also featured various artisan stands, providing additional economic support for local artists. João Pedro of Juazeiro, who specializes in xilogravura and cordel culture, showcased his works as part of the initiative. He remarked, “Events such as this shine light on the talent and stories within our region.” Indeed, through traditional crafts, local artisans keep their histories alive.
The successful exhibition of local culture closes on the Day of Kings, embracing the uniqueness of Ceará's nativity traditions, including its colorful folklore, vibrant music, and participatory community celebrations. It reminds attendees of the enduring legacy of their cultural practices and the need to safeguard them against the tide of globalization. With laughter echoing among the crowds and children witnessing the vibrancy of their heritage, the Dia de Reis celebrations encapsulate the heart of Ceará’s identity.
Through the joint efforts of community members, cultural leaders, and art lovers, the legacy of Dia de Reis will continue to shine brightly, honoring the traditions of the past and inspiring future generations to partake and keep those cultural flames alive.