Recent developments and events shaping the vibrant city of Maringá are catching the attention of residents and visitors alike. A historical inscription unearthed during renovation works, alongside upcoming cultural celebrations and public health initiatives, showcases the dynamic nature of the city.
During the first phase of the Eixo Monumental revitalization project near the Catedral Metropolitana, workers discovered the engraving, “Viva 1954 para 1955,” hidden beneath foliage on the sidewalk by the former Hotel Bandeirantes. The inscription, believed to be etched by laborers around 1955, emphasizes Maringá's rich past and the significance of preserving historical markers. “When we learned about it, we had to take immediate action, as if I delayed for another hour, we might not have this opportunity to study what we can do with this memory,” said Artur Tunes, the Secretary of Works. The city is considering options for preserving the inscription, which not only symbolizes the city’s history but also pays tribute to the unsung contributions of workers over the years.
The inscription provides more than just nostalgia; it exemplifies Maringá's commitment to celebrating its heritage even amid modern development. Tunes noted, “These are icons the city is preserving, and even with modernity, we are rescuing the stories of our ancestors. Such initiatives allow us to pay homage to those who built our city.”
On the cultural front, Maringá is gearing up for its annual Carnival, which promises to engage citizens from March 1 to March 2, 2025. This year, the municipality is implementing initiatives aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of participants. A campaign titled ‘Assédio não é Folia’ (Harassment is Not Festive) will address sexual harassment concerns during the festivities. The campaign will feature information stands operating on-site, where citizens can obtain facts about harassment and how to report incidents. “We are distributing materials with reporting channels and ensuring the safety of all attendees. It's important to outline what constitutes harassment during the celebrations,” explained the Secretary of Public Security.
To bolster public awareness, Maringá's Department of Health will be actively engaging with the community through the distribution of preventive resources against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). On the same days, trained health professionals will be on hand, providing advice on safe practices and distributing free kits containing condoms and educational materials about STIs. “The number of dengue cases increased not just in Maringá but throughout the region. We are intensifying our prevention campaigns to alert the public because dengue can be severe,” stated Antônio Carlos Nardi, the Secretary of Health.
Following the Carnival festivities, the city's focus will shift to the Maringá Food Festival, running from March 13 to March 30, 2025. This popular annual event will spotlight local gastronomy with 17 participants vying for the title of best hamburger. The festival will engage the community through public voting, allowing residents to decide the winner of the popular category. “Our event brings together several hamburgers from the city to compete for the best hamburger. The public's involvement is one of the distinct features of the festival, making the voting process interactive and rewarding,” remarked Paola Incerti, one of the festival’s organizers.
The festival is not just about competition; it also features partnerships with local businesses, fostering community spirit. Partners like Gela Boca will provide official desserts, and McCain will complement the meals with delicious fries. Participatory promotions will feature discounts and giveaways, including free ice cream with certain purchases.
This year's edition of the festival follows the successful 'Burger Day,' held on February 27, which saw over 200 children from the Escola Municipal Professora Benedita Natália partake in fun activities and enjoy free hamburgers. “It was an amazing experience for the kids. We brought entertainment and leisure to our students, making for an extraordinary day,” said Isolene Niedermeyer, Secretary of Economic Acceleration and Tourism.
Maringá's various initiatives—from the historical preservation efforts to vibrant festivals—reflect the city’s commitment to fostering community bonds, safety, and well-being among its residents. With such endeavors, Maringá is not only honoring its past but also building for the future, ensuring its culture thrives amid changing times.