A festa de São João como um dos elementos identitários da sertanidade euclidense e o cordel como ferramenta pedagógica no ensino de história

Abstract

This research aims to contribute to the teaching of History by assisting ninth-grade teachers in addressing cultural identity, as outlined in General Competency 3 of the Brazilian National Common Curricular Base (BNCC). The study focuses on the São João festival as one of the identity elements affirming sertanidade in Euclides da Cunha, Bahia. The central issue of this investigation arose from personal concerns and observations of teaching practices, in which we noticed the absence of a sense of belonging to the sertão among students at Colégio José Aras in Euclides da Cunha. The objective of this study is to reflect on the São João festival as a symbol of the affirmation of the sertanejo identity in Euclides da Cunha, considering the students’ sense of belonging to sertanejo culture. The theoretical analysis engages with the ideas of Hall (2022), Burke (2021), Cunha (2012), Albuquerque Jr. (2011), Priore (1994), among others. In terms of methodology, we adopted a qualitative approach, following the AulaOficina (Workshop-Class) model developed by Barca (2004), which we believe is highly effective in the historical learning process of students, providing a meaningful pedagogical experience. The Aulas-Oficinas, titled “For a Cultural and Identity Poetics of the Euclidense Sertão”, form the propositional part of this research, fostering the discussion of concepts through debates and practical activities that will culminate in the production of cordel literature. In addition, we conducted a survey of documentary sources and iconographic records, as well as applied questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with prominent members of the local community engaged in preserving the São João tradition. This approach aligns with the perspective of oral history and seeks to capture the perceptions of those involved regarding the sertão and São João culture. The research results highlight the São João festival as an essential cultural practice in Euclides da Cunha, playing a crucial role in community integration and strengthening the sense of belonging to the sertão. The Aulas-Oficinas proved to be an effective practice in the historical learning process, while the production of cordel emerged as a powerful methodology to bring students closer to their culture, encourage critical reflections, and strengthen cultural identity, fostering a dialogue with local culture and its roots.