28th Pan-Amazonian Fair highlights Pará literature and promotes a meeting of generations at the Multivozes Arena
On this Wednesday (20), the fifth day of programming was celebrated with an afternoon marked by the strength of Amazonian literature, discussion circles, and cultural presentations at the Multivozes Arena
Organized by the Government of Pará, through the State Secretariat of Culture (Secult), the 28th edition of the Pan-Amazonian Book and Multivozes Fair held, this Wednesday (20), the fifth day of programming with activities that energized the Multivozes Arena, between 3 PM and 7 PM. The afternoon was marked by cordel presentations, a poetry recital, a discussion circle on reading policies, and a chat with Pará writers.
The activities began at 3 PM with the XIII Meeting of Cordelistas of the Amazon. The event “Singing Cordel: From Gray to Green – The Cordel in Defense of Nature” brought together poets Márcio Fabiano (SP), Ducarmo Sousa (PA), Cristiano Paraguaçu (PA), Francisco Mendes (PA), and Edna Corrêa (PA), showcasing the strength of popular poetry as a tool for environmental awareness.
For Geraldo Neto, who attended the cordel presentations, the initiative reinforces the importance of reading for new generations.
“It is essential to value those who produce literature in the Amazon and bring young people closer to this universe. Reading shapes character, stimulates critical thinking, and helps reflect on the problems we face, including environmental ones. Cordel is a great example of this: accessible, diverse, and capable of enchanting everyone from children to adults,” he said.
At 4:30 PM, it was the turn of the Academy of Letters of Belém (PA) to present the poetry recital “Poetry in the Swells of Guajará Bay,” evoking memories and landscapes of the capital of Pará.
Honored at the 27th edition of the fair, Antonio Juraci Siqueira was in the audience following the programming. According to him, spaces like the Multivozes Arena are of fundamental importance to celebrate Amazonian and Pará literature.
“Being one of the honorees last year demonstrates this administration's commitment to promoting spaces for Pará writers, so they can be known and valued. Today's programming is further proof of this commitment. We need to know and read more Pará writers,” emphasized the poet.
At 5:30 PM, the discussion circle “Book and Reading Policy: Perspectives, Advances, and Challenges in Its Implementation” brought together Andreia Couto Ribeiro (DF) and Sonia Santos (PA), mediated by Núbia Luzia Dias (PA), to discuss strategies for strengthening access to reading and public book policies in the country.
The closing of the programming, at 7 PM, was marked by a chat with Airton Souza (PA) and Pedro Gama (PA). An award-winning writer and representative of the literary production of Southeast Pará, Airton is the author of the novel "Outono de Carne Estranha," winner of the Sesc Prize and finalist for the Oceanos Prize, which depicts the region in the 1980s, a period marked by the discovery of the Serra Pelada gold mine.
For the author, participation in the Fair represents more than a space for dissemination: it is an act of belonging and valuing the literature produced in the territory of Pará.
“Being at the Pan-Amazonian Fair is to occupy a space that shows what our region produces, breaks stigmas, and presents the literary richness that comes from the South and Southeast of Pará. Here we can dialogue with other voices, exchange experiences, and show that the Amazon also writes its own history,” highlighted Airton Souza.
He also emphasized the importance of knowing and consuming literature produced in Pará as a form of recognition and identity.
Valuing Pará literature
“Reading Pará literature is recognizing ourselves in this territory and also understanding Brazil's history from the Amazon. Fictional production, prose, and poetry help us understand who we are, strengthen our sense of belonging, and give visibility to the voices that tell the story of this place,” he stated.
The 28th Pan-Amazonian Fair of Books and Multivozes continues until August 22, at the Hangar Convention Center of the Amazon, operating from 9 AM to 10 PM, with free entry allowed until 9 PM. The programming for the other days can be accessed on the website feiradolivroedasmultivozes.com.br
Text: Painah Silva - Ascom Secult
