The Canto de Várzea Group, considered a reference point in regional music and the cultural identity of Santarém, located in western Pará, has received recognition as intangible cultural heritage of the municipality.
This recognition was formalized after the approval of a bill presented by councilwoman Bárbara Matos in the Municipal Chamber. The legislation highlights the group's long trajectory, which for over forty years has transformed the Amazonian reality into songs and poetry.
The approval serves as a tribute to the contribution of the composers and musicians to the maintenance of local culture. The lyrics of Canto de Várzea frequently address the landscapes of the area, the rivers, the beaches, the daily life of Amazonian inhabitants, and the importance of environmental conservation.
The proponent of the measure emphasized that the group's music transcends mere entertainment, offering deep reflections on the region's identity. She mentioned the song titled "Santarém," created in the 1980s, which already signaled the effects of deforestation in the Amazon.
Canto de Várzea was born more than four decades ago through the initiative of young poets and musicians from Santarém. The initial goal was to create a musical identity linked to the rhythm of local life, inspired by the water cycle that modifies both the landscapes and the lives of riverside communities. The term "várzea" present in the group's name specifically refers to areas that suffer annual flooding and drying.
Initially, the repertoire was dominated by creations of Beto Paixão, who was responsible for most of the compositions. Subsequently, several other artists participated, helping to solidify the group's work. Among its greatest hits are tracks such as "Dança na Mata," "Amor de Índio," "Diretamente Falando," "Boca de Forno," and "Gênesis da Pérola."