≡What is the origin of the Parintins Festival?
Origin (19th century – beginning of the Bumba-Meu-Boi festival)
The festival originates from the Bumba-Meu-Boi tradition, a popular manifestation brought to Brazil during the colonial period, with strong Afro-Indigenous and European influences.
In the interior of Amazonas, this tradition blends with local legends, especially the story of the Auto do Boi (Pai Francisco and Mãe Catirina).
1913 – Emergence of the first Bumba-Meu-Boi groups in Parintins
In 1913, records of the first organized Bumba-Meu-Boi groups in Parintins appear.
During this period, the performances were still simple, held in the streets and at religious festivals.
1930–1940 – Consolidation of the rivalry
The Bumba-Meu-Boi groups begin to gain their own identity in the city.
The two rival groups officially emerge:
Boi Garantido (founded in 1913, according to Oral tradition)
Boi Caprichoso (founded in 1913, also with a strong oral tradition)
The rivalry between red (Garantido) and blue (Caprichoso) intensifies.
1965 – Creation of the Parintins Folklore Festival
In 1965, the Parintins Folklore Festival is officially created.
The objective was to organize and value the competition between the oxen.
The presentations leave the streets and begin to have a more formal structure.
1988 – Construction of the Bumbódromo
In 1988, the Bumbódromo of Parintins is inaugurated.
The space was built especially for the festival, with stands divided for the blue and red fan groups.
This marks the professionalization of the event.
1990–2000 – National expansion and international
The festival gains great visibility in the Brazilian media.
The performances now include:
Giant floats
Complex choreography
Advanced stage technology
2010–present – Cultural heritage and mega-event
The festival has established itself as one of the largest open-air spectacles in the world.
Boi Garantido and Boi Caprichoso continue to compete for the title every year on the last weekend of June.
The event attracts tourists from Brazil and abroad.
In 2018, the festival was recognized as a Cultural Heritage of Brazil by IPHAN.
How does the Parintins Folklore Festival work?
Parintins Folklore Festival
Held annually in Parintins, in the state of Amazonas.
It is famous for its boi-bumbá performances.
Competition:#NLL# Takes place on the last weekend of June.
Dispute between two rival “bois”:
Boi Garantido (red and white)
Boi Caprichoso (blue and white)
Performances take place at the Bumbódromo.
Performances:
Involve hundreds of participants.
Include dancers, singers, musicians, and artisans.
Recount regional folkloric stories.
Combine theater, dance, and traditional music.
Evaluation:
Conducted by a specialized jury.
Main criteria:
Creativity
Originality
Musical harmony
Other attractions of the event:
Parade of allegorical floats
Handicraft fairs
Regional dances
Music shows
Discover some interesting facts about PARINTINS FESTIVAL
The question Galera
The question Galera refers to the participation and animation of the public during the presentations of the bois-bumbás. The crowd is made up of the fans and admirers of each ox, who are actively involved in the show, expressing their support and enthusiasm. During the performances, the crowd vibrates, sings, dances and gets excited, creating a festive and contagious atmosphere. The excitement and engagement of the crowd are fundamental aspects in the evaluation of the festival, reflecting popular support and passion for the cultural tradition represented by the Caprichoso and Garantido oxen.
The Amazon Legend
The Amazon Legend item refers to the representation and interpretation of legends and myths characteristic of the Amazon region during the presentations of the bois-bumbás. The groups use this aspect to create performances that narrate traditional stories, indigenous legends and popular tales from the Amazon. The ability to tell these stories, along with fidelity to oral tradition and local culture, are fundamental aspects evaluated by the judges. The quality of the staging, the creativity in adapting the legends and the ability to involve the audience with the magic and mystery of Amazonian narratives are also considered in the final scoring of the presentations.
The question Vaqueirada
The question Vaqueirada refers to the representation of the typical activities and customs of cowboys from the Amazon region during the presentations of the bois-bumbás. Cowgirls are an important part of local folklore, and their representation in ox performances includes aspects such as the cowboys' traditional clothing, their riding and roping skills, as well as possible interactions with other elements of the performance, such as the ox and other characters. Fidelity to the cowboy tradition, authenticity in the representation of activities and the visual and emotional impact of cowgirls on the public are considered by the judges when evaluating this aspect.
What is choreography in Boi Bumbá?
Choreography (Boi Bumbá)
Refers to the choreographed performances of the members of the bois-bumbás, such as Garantido and Caprichoso.
It involves precise, coordinated, and synchronized movements between dancers and performers.
How it works in practice:
Choreographies are carefully rehearsed.
They combine traditional dance steps from the Amazon region with movements created specifically for each show.
They help tell the story and complement the narrative of the performances.
Importance in the festival:
They highlight the aesthetic beauty and artistic expression of the groups.
They create a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for the audience.
They make the show more dynamic and exciting.
Evaluation criteria:
Quality of execution
Synchronization of movements
Originality of the choreography
➡️ Choreography directly influences the evaluation and final performance of each boi.
The Organization of the Folkloric Ensemble
The Organization of the Folkloric Ensemble is one of the requirements assessed by the judges during the presentations of the bois-bumbás Boi Garantido and Boi Caprichoso. This requirement refers to each group's ability to organize and execute their performances in a coherent, fluid and impactful manner. The evaluation of the organization of the folklore ensemble considers several aspects, including the harmony between the different elements of the performance, such as dance, music, costumes and props, as well as the synchrony of the players on stage. The judges observe the narrative fluidity of the performances, the smooth transition between the different segments of the show and the groups' ability to keep the audience engaged and moved throughout the performance.
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