Os idosos e os espaços de memória: um estudo sobre a Praça 14 de Janeiro na cidade de Manaus

Abstract

Squares are public spaces that represent an urban reference marked by human coexistence, being an urban historical and cultural precinct that accompanies the emergence and development of cities. Under this approach, the present study had as general objective to analyze the historical, cultural, social and playful representation of Praça 14 de Janeiro in the city of Manaus, particularly from the memory of the elderly who knew it in a more distant past. It was an exploratory-descriptive study involving a field research with a qualitative approach, carried out with a group of seven elderly people who live in the neighborhood of Praça 14 de Janeiro, in the city of Manaus. Data collection took place through a script of semi-structured conversations. As a result, it was identified that the historical and cultural representation of Praça 14 de Janeiro is revealed through many important events such as the neighborhood's birthday parties; the samba school parades through the main streets; the Festa de São Benedito, in the Quilombo do Barranco Community; the Praça Iluminada Project, which took place on Sundays, bringing singers from Manaus and other Brazilian states and folk festivals. In the political field, events that mark the history of the square stand out, such as the rallies by Gilberto Mestrinho and Plínio Coelho, ex-mayor Jorge Teixeira, Fabio Lucena and Amazonino Mendes. In terms of social and recreational representation, this public place has great significance, especially for older residents, as it was a space for youth experiences; development of religious beliefs; cultural experiences, such as enjoying and dancing at the neighborhood samba school, in short, for their social interactions, which today are part of their memories where they keep the memory of friends who have died, of the first Catholic church built of wood, of the bell that tolled for morning calling the faithful, the Boneca Viva contest, the arraiais, the June festivals, the Fátima novena, the meeting of rival bois-bumbás, the football that took place every afternoon, the competitions between children, the pedestrian and cyclist races , from the park that was in front of the church, among many other reminiscences.