Teresina's 18th Accordion Procession Celebrates Northeastern Culture

The 18th Accordion Procession took place in Teresina, Piauí, on Monday, June 3rd, celebrating the centenary of Helena Gonzaga, honoring the memory of Luiz Gonzaga, and marking the 80th birthday of singer-songwriter Alceu Valença. This event, which brings together dozens of accordionists, other musicians, and enthusiasts of Northeastern rhythms, was officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage of Piauí in 2025. Participants gathered at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Sorrows in the city center before parading through the streets to the Piauí Museum, accompanied by the sounds of accordions, triangles, zabumbas, and singing. Among the attendees were the clown group Vagão, whose member Beiju shared his personal connection to the accordion, inspired by the procession's founder, Professor Wilson Seraine. Longtime participant Gilson Sanfoneiro highlighted the event's role as a reunion for instrument admirers and cultural enthusiasts. The procession also features a traditional blessing of instruments by Father Antônio Cruz, who emphasized the importance of unity in preserving their cultural heritage. Organized by the Colônia Gonzaguiana do Piauí in partnership with the Fundação Cultural Monsenhor Chaves, the procession aims to pass on Luiz Gonzaga's legacy to younger generations, a goal that has successfully engaged youth, women, the elderly, and even children who have become professional accordionists.