Parintins Festival drives cultural economy through art and technology

The Parintins Festival, centered around the Garantido and Caprichoso bulls in the Amazon, has evolved from traditional folklore into a sophisticated creative economy. Artists who began by crafting miniature versions of the festival's characters have transitioned into professional careers, applying their techniques to major cultural events such as the Carnivals in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

In the festival's production headquarters, known as QGs, local creators are blending traditional craftsmanship with advanced technologies. This “technofolklore” includes the use of 3D printing, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics to develop costumes and massive allegories. This innovation has created a new labor market and a form of cultural export, as the specialized skills developed in the Amazon are increasingly sought after for large-scale national festivities.