SUSTAINABILITY IN REGIONAL FESTIVALS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE AIPIM FESTIVAL IN RIO DE JANEIRO

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of regional festivals on the appreciation of the city of Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, through its territorial vocations. The aim of the research was to analyze a regional festival, known as Festa do Aipim, from different perspectives. The sample was non-probabilistic and intentional, and open-ended semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 people involved in some way with the event. The research followed a qualitative approach and made it possible to capture the perceptions of the various social actors involved, revealing how the festival can contribute to fostering sustainability, strengthening local identity and promoting the economic, social and cultural development of the region. As a result, it was concluded that the festival plays an important role in promoting sustainability and in valuing and preserving regional identities.