Siriri dance groups celebrate culture and inclusion at FIT Pantanal

The International Tourism Fair of Pantanal (FIT Pantanal) featured two siriri dance ensembles, highlighting the role of traditional arts in social integration. In Cuiabá, the senior‑citizen troupe from the Centro de Convivência de Idosos Aidee Pereira performed for visitors, with municipal social assistance secretary Hélida Vilela noting the participants’ enthusiasm and the centre’s expanding cultural services. Elder participant Leny Setubal Teixeira said the centre “helps keep the mind active and provides companionship,” while choreographer Evelyn Ojeda emphasized that the program “offers a space of belonging, coexistence and strengthening of bonds.”

A second group from Várzea Grande, formed by children and adolescents of the Escola Estadual Dante Martins de Oliveira, also took the stage. Teacher Evanderson dos Santos explained that the project “was created as a way of social integration and to show our culture to the world.” Parents reported increased confidence in the youngsters, with Adrielly de Souza observing that her son “lost the shyness he always had.” Both performances aimed to preserve Mato‑Grosso’s siriri heritage while fostering community well‑being.