Caju candy and grated guaraná recognized as intangible cultural heritage in Cuiabá
Cuiabá has officially recognized grated guaraná and caju candy, along with their preparation methods, as intangible cultural heritage. Mayor Abilio Brunini (PL) sanctioned laws that add these traditional food items to the municipality's list of protected cultural assets. The initiative aims to preserve the knowledge associated with their production and encourage the continuation of these practices across generations. These proposals were introduced by councilwoman Maria Avallone (PSDB). Grated guaraná had previously been acknowledged as intangible historical and cultural heritage for the state of Mato Grosso in 2019 through State Law No. 11.010. The recent municipal law extends this recognition to the city of Cuiabá. Councilwoman Avallone emphasized that these laws are designed to safeguard the preparation techniques and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge for both products. Furthermore, she stated that the legislation aligns with the Municipal Culture Plan's directives, promoting actions for intangible heritage preservation, cultural tourism, and the creative economy.
The municipal recognition of traditional food items like caju candy and grated guaraná as intangible cultural heritage highlights a growing trend in urban centers to formally preserve local culinary traditions. This designation serves to protect traditional knowledge and preparation methods from obsolescence, potentially fostering cultural tourism and local economic development. By integrating these items into cultural heritage lists, Cuiabá is creating a framework that could support small-scale producers and artisans. This approach, however, requires careful implementation to ensure that the benefits are distributed equitably and that the cultural significance is maintained beyond mere commercialization. Future challenges may involve balancing authenticity with scalability and ensuring that these heritage designations lead to tangible support for the communities involved.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.