São Luís's birthday: cultural aspects of the capital of Maranhão

O Saint Louis's birthday is celebrated today, September 8th. The capital of Maranhão, founded in 1612, turns 411 years old.

The city of just over a million inhabitants is located on Upaon-Açu Island. The municipality's economy is impacted by the services sector, mainly tourism activities.

Among the highlights of São Luís’ tourist attractions is the Historic Center. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) included the place in the list of World Heritage Sites in 1997.

São Luís is the only Brazilian city that was founded by the French. Learn more about the city’s characteristics, cultural elements and history here.

Saint Louis's birthday

This year's São Luís anniversary features a diverse program commemorating the capital's 411th anniversary from Maranhão.

Today (8), artists such as Alcione and Maiara and Maraísa lead the party organized by the city hall.

On the last day (5), there was a tribute to Regueiro Municipal Day. The city, known as "Brazilian Jamaica" and "Brazilian capital of raggae", is strongly influenced by Jamaican musical rhythm.

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Know more: Origin, styles and characteristics of raggae

Culture of São Luís

The Arts teacher from Maranhão, Maria de Jesus dos Santos Diniz, spoke with Brasil Escola and highlighted some cultural elements that are part of São Luís.

During the São João festivities, several demonstrations take over the city's streets. Among the attractions is o bumba my boy, the Creole drum and the ginga of Dona Tetê's cacuriá, lists the educator. During carnival, the fofão, a character from the city, is part of the parades of samba schools, traditional and Afro groups.

São Luís is one of the oldest cities in the country, it has a diverse cultural heritage, in addition to the ethnic diversity of the population, says Maria de Jesus.

"We need to recognize its importance more efficiently, as we have so many riches, especially its inhabitants and cultural heritage. We have a set of recognized material and intangible heritage."

Maria de Jesus dos Santos Diniz - Arts Teacher

Maria de Jesus is a white woman — Maria de Jesus dos Santos Diniz (36) has a degree in Artistic Education from the Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA) and a master's degree in Basic Education Teaching Management.
Credit: Personal Archive.

Different groups of African and indigenous peoples contributed to building the city, says the professor. This process reflects on contemporary times, since religious diversity of African origin is something present in the capital.

"São Luís has a lot to offer for its population and for Brazil." The Artur Azevedo Theater is located in the city, the second oldest in the country.

At the artistic field, Maria de Jesus mentions some processes that marked the municipality:

Gororoba exhibitions from the 1970s, composed of artists and intellectuals who criticized poverty, portrayed life in the rural area, stilt houses, figures from folklore and popular culture;
Exhibitions: May Collective, Ephemeral Art, Urban Iconography of São Luís and Brazil 500 years;
Easter celebration in the Anjo da Guarda neighborhood;
Guarnicê Festival;
São Luís Book Fair.

The educator reinforces the cultural importance of the largest urban quilombo, located in the Liberdade neighborhood, as well as the cultural development in the Coroadinho neighborhood.

São Luís cuisine

A São Luís cuisine provides an "unconditional tasting", guarantees Maria. The city's gastronomy highlights are:

Cuxá rice base;
Juçara do Maranhão;
Shrimp pie;
Fried fish;
Guarana Jesus.

"We can taste these flavors by appreciating our architectural complex made up of beautiful churches, stairs, colonial houses present on the beautiful streets, such as Rua Portugal and Rua do Giz."

Maria de Jesus dos Santos Diniz - Arts Teacher