Artisan repurposes discarded wood for religious processions

Artisan Ronaldo dos Santos, based in the Sacramenta neighborhood of Belém, is repurposing discarded wood through his project ‘Do Lixo ao Luxo’ (From Trash to Luxury). For over 20 years, he has collected wood scraps from the banks of the São Joaquim canal to create religious items such as oratories, litters (andores), and shrines (berlindas) for processions in Pará, Maranhão, and Tocantins.

The initiative serves both environmental and social purposes by promoting sustainability and generating income. The project currently supports more than 30 residents of the Sacramenta neighborhood, including children, youth, and adults, providing them with learning opportunities and financial stability.

Currently, the project is crafting a new shrine for the Círio de Nazaré in Montes Altos, Maranhão. This piece will incorporate elements of indigenous Krikati culture. The craftsmanship helps strengthen the tradition of the Círio de Nazaré across different regions of Brazil through sustainable and culturally integrated practices.