Vice-Governor Hana Ghassan participates in the opening of the 28th Pan-Amazonian Book and Multivoices Fair
Event at Hangar celebrates Amazonian literature and culture with tributes to Wanda Monteiro and Master Damasceno
The opening of the 28th Pan-Amazonian Book and Multivoices Fair, this Saturday (16), at the Hangar Convention Center of the Amazon in Belém, was attended by the State's Vice-Governor, Hana Ghassan, who participated in the symbolic delivery ceremony of books to the honorees of this edition and visited the stands accompanied by the State Secretary of Culture, Ursula Vidal. The event is the largest in the segment in the Northern Region and the fourth largest in Brazil, bringing together writers, artists, and representatives of popular culture.
During the ceremony, copies of the works were delivered to the honorees Wanda Monteiro and Master Damasceno – the latter represented by cultural producer Guto Nunes. To celebrate the creator of the Búfalo Bumbá, a video about his journey and contribution to Marajoara culture was also shown.
"The Pan-Amazonian Book and Multivoices Fair is the largest in the Northern region and the fourth largest in Brazil. It is very important because it values our culture. We receive here artists and writers who preserve and disseminate our history. I invite the entire population to participate: we expect around 400,000 people throughout the program. Don't miss it," emphasized Vice-Governor Hana Ghassan.
Among the launched titles are: "Mestre Damasceno and the Cantorias of Marajó," by Antônio Carlos Pimentel Jr., with illustrations by Mandy Modesto; "Wanda Monteiro – Collected Poetry," by the author herself; and "The River Man – The Saga of Miguel dos Santos Prazeres," by Benedicto Monteiro, in celebration of the writer's centenary.
Valuing Amazonian culture
The Secretary of Culture, Ursula Vidal, emphasized the plural nature of the fair.
"It is a book fair, but also a fair of multivoices, because we understand the importance of valuing orality, knowledge, practices, and traditions of our people. We celebrate names like Master Damasceno and Wanda Monteiro, examples of resistance and Amazonian cultural identity," she stated.
Writer Wanda Monteiro was moved by the tribute, which also referred to the legacy of her father, Benedicto Monteiro.
"We have the obligation to understand the importance of literature for our existence. My greatest thanks to the organization of the fair, which during these seven days celebrates the literature and culture of our people," she said.
Program
The 28th Pan-Amazonian Book and Multivoices Fair runs until next Friday (22), always from 9 am to 10 pm (with entry until 9 pm), at the Hangar Convention Center of the Amazon. Admission is free.
