Florianópolis is alive with celebrations as it marks its 352nd anniversary this weekend, showcasing an array of cultural events that invite residents and visitors to partake in rich traditions and artistic expressions. The 11th edition of the Maratona Cultural has taken center stage, featuring over 400 presentations spread across the city, displaying all forms of art, from music and theater to visual arts.
As the city bathes in festivities, Rafael Bridi, a highline athlete, emphasized the significance of urban spaces, saying, "Urban space is about this, right? About us expressing ourselves, about us interacting with the buildings, with the streets, like this." This inclusive mindset is a hallmark of the Maratona Cultural, which serves not only as an entertainment platform but also as a means to celebrate the diverse cultural languages of the community. Paula Borges, president of the Instituto Maratona Cultural, echoed this sentiment, stating, "It is a purpose, right? We could celebrate with all cultural languages for all ages. We see everyone in the streets celebrating art, culture, and education that we are offering."
In addition to the multitude of artistic expressions, the Maratona Cultural incorporates remembrance and community stories that have long been overlooked. A walking tour honoring the washerwomen of Morro da Caixa symbolizes this connection to heritage. Sandra Cristina Nascimento, a local guide, shares sentiments of pride as she recounts, “They washed, ironed, sang, prayed; they were healers... And with this, they kept the house and also supported their children. They washed for the rich down below. They mean resistance for us.”
The grand festivities culminate today, Sunday, March 23, with not only performances but also significant events such as the 2nd Canoe Race at Beira-Mar Norte, organized by the local government. The race, aimed at reaffirming the importance of wooden canoe traditions, will begin at 9 AM with a concentration before it kicks off at 9:30 AM. This event is heralded by Roberto Katumi Oda, secretary of Culture, Sports, and Leisure, who promotes this unique opportunity to celebrate local culture, uniting sport, tradition, and leisure. Gabriel Lemos, the deputy secretary of Fishing, Mariculture, and Agro-Food Development, noted, “The canoe race is a tradition that reminds us of the importance of preserving our culture.”
With 21 canoes set to participate, the race illustrates the vibrant spirit of the city's maritime heritage. Participants will race one kilometer, starting near Beira-Mar Shopping and finishing at Trapiche in Centro. Following the race, an awards ceremony at 11 AM will honor the top competitors.
The musical aspect of the celebrations is equally impressive, with local and national talents taking the stage in various venues across the city. The Arena Floripa hosts a performance from the king of Piseiro, João Gomes, alongside acts like DJ Felipe Martins and Plutão Já Foi Planeta, contributing to a lively atmosphere that resonates with both nostalgia and contemporary beats. The schedule includes performances starting at 3 PM, with João Gomes taking the stage at 8:30 PM. Many community members flock to the arena, with a lineup promising entertainment for a range of musical tastes.
Additionally, artistic exhibitions will also be available in galleries and museums, allowing visitors to appreciate visual arts while enjoying the rich tapestry of cultural expressions throughout the weekend. The city’s historical accomplishments and future aspirations come into focus as it celebrates not just achievements in infrastructure and tourism, but also the vibrant cultural exchanges that define its identity.
As Floripa reflects on its past and looks toward the future, it embraces the ethos of community engagement and cultural evolution. The celebrations will wrap up with free public transportation available throughout the city, enabling everyone to participate in the closing festivities. Parking arrangements have also been made, with Multipark Mercado Público offering 700 spaces and Multipark Tancredo Neves providing 200 spaces, extending their hours to meet the demand.
In sum, this weekend in Florianópolis stands as a testament to resilience, cultural diversity, and community pride, drawing together the richness of its heritage into a celebratory expression that resonates with both residents and visitors alike.
