In Belém, photographer Alexandre Baena's exhibition portrays the beauty and magic of Sairé
The Fidanza Gallery at the Museum of Sacred Art hosts the exhibition "Sairé – Celebration, praise, and competition of the Botos," featuring images from the Festival that this year honors the Pará senator Jader Barbalho
The Pará photographer Alexandre Baena opened, this Friday (8), the 26th edition of the traveling exhibition "Sairé – Celebration, praise, and competition of the Botos," at the Fidanza Gallery, in the Museum of Sacred Art, in Belém. The exhibition, composed of 14 photographic panels, portrays the beauty, faith, and artistic rivalry between the Tucuxi and Pink dolphins during the traditional Sairé Festival, held in the village of Alter do Chão, in Santarém, a municipality in western Pará.
The event was attended by the honoree of this edition, Senator Jader Barbalho (MDB-PA), who was present at the opening, along with cultural performances, such as that of Jess Tupinambá. Judge Osmar Vieira, from the Festival organization, was also present, reinforcing the importance of preserving Amazonian traditions.
During the ceremony, Jader Barbalho recalled his connection to the region and highlighted the cultural relevance of the exhibition. "Since the 1970s, I have had the privilege of deeply knowing the West of Pará, navigating the (Tapajós) River and experiencing the Sairé Festival in Alter do Chão. As governor, I built the highway that connects Santarém to the village, facilitating access to one of the most beautiful places in the world. This exhibition by Alexandre Baena celebrates our culture and confirms that we have reached a stage of civilization where we can and should celebrate our history," said the senator.
According to Alexandre Baena, "the photos in this exhibition were taken during last year's Sairé, and many of the characters that appear in them will be seen again at this year's festivities. It is an invitation to know, safeguard, and experience our culture, which is not only from Pará but from Brazil. The tribute to Senator Jader is more than fair. He has always been a supporter of the Festival and a defender of the tourist and cultural potential of Alter do Chão, helping to put Pará in the national spotlight."
Celebration - Among the visitors, the couple Vera and Milton Mota praised the fidelity of the images to the reality of the festival. "We learned about the exhibition through family recommendations and came to honor it. We know the Sairé Festival, and we think the photos very well capture the beauty and emotion of this celebration that is so special for Pará," emphasized Milton.
For the director of the Museum of Sacred Art, Emanuel Franco, the initiative reinforces the commitment of the State Secretariat of Culture (Secult) to valuing Pará's culture. "Exhibitions like this help preserve and value traditions that are part of our identity. The Sairé is a cultural heritage that deserves to be remembered and celebrated. Hosting this work at the Fidanza Gallery is an honor for all of us," reiterated the museum director.
The exhibition started in Brasília (DF) and will end where the inspiration was born: in Santarém, during this year's Sairé. In Belém, it can be visited until August 31, with free admission.
Text: Painah Silva - Ascom/Secult
