The city of São Luís, capital of the state of Maranhão in Northeast Brazil, celebrated on December 6th 25 years since its recognition as a Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
According to the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (Iphan), the title — granted in Naples, Italy, on December 6, 1997 — resulted from the rich and diverse urban scene and architecture of the city, 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 composed of over a thousand mansions that are at least a century old — many of them built in the 18th and 19th centuries, featuring traditional Portuguese tiles and French influence. This also contributed to the city being listed as a heritage site by Iphan in 1974.Celebrations
The celebrations for the title of Cultural Heritage of Humanity are ongoing throughout this year. Now, in December, the festivities continue at one of São Luís’s main cultural centers, the Casa do Maranhão.
The space, located in Praia Grande, in the historic center, hosts the interactive exhibition 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 familiarize themselves with and experience a sample of the various manifestations recognized by Iphan — such as cordel literature, written in verses and illustrated with woodcuts.