Brazil Senate Culture Commission Approves New National Cultural Recognitions

The Senate’s Education and Culture Commission (CE) approved two proposals to formally recognize cultural expressions as part of Brazil’s national heritage. On 30 April, the commission voted in favor of OPL 3.348/2025, introduced by Senator Zequinha Marinho, to acknowledge the Sociedade Bíblica do Brasil (SBB) as a manifestation of national culture. The measure, endorsed by Senator Damares Alves, is symbolic, carries no legal obligations, and follows the SBB’s longstanding charitable work, including the distribution of 4.2 million Bibles in 2024 and the operation of a Bible Museum in Barueri (SP).

In the same session, the commission also approved OPL 1.552/2026, presented by Senator Teresa Leitão, to recognize the woodcut art (xilogravura) used in cordel literature as a cultural manifestation. Senator Humberto Costa highlighted that the designation would protect artists’ rights and enable inclusion of the craft in public education policies. The proposal cites the technique’s historical ties to the Northeast, its global presence in museums such as the Louvre and MoMA, and its role in illustrating popular poetry.

Both measures now await possible review by the Chamber of Deputies before becoming law.