Brazil's Ministry of Culture launches first national samba circles seminar in Rio

From June 22 to June 24, 2024, the Ministry of Culture held the 1st National Seminar of Samba Circles in Rio de Janeiro, meeting at the Palácio Gustavo Capanema and the Renascença Clube. Executive secretary Márcio Tavares said the gathering brings together singers, researchers, public managers and cultural leaders to examine the challenges and potential of samba circles for the creative economy, cultural heritage, social participation, public space use and territorial development.

The programme features debates with figures such as Helena Theodoro, Tadeu Kaçula, Nilcemar Nogueira, Aline Calixto, Rafa Rafuagi, Zé Luiz do Império, Rogério Família, Marina Iris and Thiago Carvalho, as well as representatives from Funarte, Iphan and other partner institutions. The closing session on June 24 includes a round‑table with Nei Lopes, Teresa Cristina, Moacyr Luz and Tavares, followed by a samba performance in tribute to Tia Surica. As Tavares noted, "As rodas de samba têm uma rede muito grande de produção cultural em todo o país," highlighting their role in preserving traditions and generating income.