The city of São Luís, capital of Maranhão state, in Northeast Brazil, on December 6, celebrated 25 years since its recognition as Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
According to Brazil’s Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan), the title—awarded in Naples, Italy, on December 6, 1997—resulted from the city’s rich and diverse urban scene and architecture as well as its history as a Portuguese colonial city, with preserved layout and a representative architectural ensemble.
The historic center of the capital of Maranhão is made up of over a thousand mansions at least one century old—many of which built in the 18th and 19th centuries, with traditional Portuguese tiles and French influence. This also contributed to the city’s being listed as heritage by Iphan in 1974.
Celebrations
Celebrations for the title of World Cultural Heritage have been active throughout this year. Now, in December, festivities continue in one of the main cultural centers of São Luís, the Casa do Maranhão.
The space, located in Praia Grande, in the historic downtown area, is hosting the interactive exhibition Manifestações Culturais do Brasil – A Celebração Viva da Cultura dos Povos (Cultural Manifestations of Brazil – The Living Celebration of People’s Culture), featuring 52 cultural items registered as Brazilian intangible cultural heritage.
Through photos, videos, objects, and sounds, a rich collection of pieces from collectors and artisans, scenographic environments, and explanations in three languages, visitors can become acquainted with and experience a sample of the various manifestations recognized by Iphan—like cordel literature, written in verse and illustrated with woodcuts.