Abre alas que eu quero passar: imagem e imaginário do carnaval pernambucano como expressão da cultura popular por turistas

Abstract

The objective of this study is to understand how Pernambuco's Carnival (Recife and Olinda) is characterized as an expression of popular culture in the imaginary image of tourists who participate in the festivities. To this end, exploratory research was conducted using a qualitative and quantitative approach. Data was collected through two questionnaires: one administered in person and the other online, with the aim of broadening the reach and diversity of respondents. Data analysis was conducted based on the content analysis method and with the aid of Iramuteq software, allowing the identification of perceptions, symbolic representations, and meanings attributed to Carnival in the cities of Recife and Olinda by tourists. The results demonstrate how cultural manifestations, traditions, and visual elements of the festivities contribute to the construction of a collective image and a tourist imaginary about the Carnival of Pernambuco (Recife and Olinda), standing out for its symbolic richness, musicality, and appreciation of local traditions. For those who answered, stuff like frevo, maracatu, giant puppets, and the Galo da Madrugada are part of the image when they think about the Carnival celebrations there, followed by street parties, popular participation, diversity, and freedom, which were seen as key parts of these events. The research shows that the Carnivals of Recife and Olinda not only reflect traditions but also shape ways of experiencing a destination, feeling, and representing places in the imagination of visitors. It is concluded that the Carnival of Pernambuco (Recife and Olinda), more than a festive event, is a cultural phenomenon that articulates experience, memory, identity, and belonging for visitors.