A festival led by a black woman, Adriana Barbosa; entrepreneurs who gain visibility and money; important debates on various topics with blackness as the protagonist; services and music. Festival Feira Preta returned to an in-person edition this weekend at Memorial da América Latina, in São Paulo, after a two-year hiatus in which it took place online. In addition to business and shows, the event promotes affection among black people.
Paula Lima, who was the festival’s first artist in 2002, sang in 2022 with Balanço Black Project and summed up the spirit of the festival “black people in all spaces”, from idealization, running the stage, from entrepreneurs, to talks, reaching the audience. And that makes a difference not only because of the economic impact it generates, but in the spirit of the event, in how it is conducted, going through the annual difficulties it has faced for two decades to happen, but also in the delivery it promotes: “We are black, we are many” , added Paula Lima, summing up the feeling of the festival.
Children, young people, adults and seniors circulated through the different spaces of the event, which is considered the largest of black culture in Latin America. The rain was present on both days, but it did not disturb the desire to celebrate. It should be remembered that the date of the Fair changed due to Expo Consciência Negra, which took place between November 18th and 20th. The Expo has been organized since 2021 by the City of São Paulo and is very reminiscent of Feira Preta, which, in general, has always had timid support from the municipal government.
One of the debates at the event was precisely about the black festivals, bringing together representatives of Batekoo in addition to Feira Preta; Latinidades, which takes place in the Federal District, and Petronio Alvarez, in Cali, Colombia. The chat was about challenges, but also about creativity and the unique opportunities generated. The Colombians, by the way, were a highlight at this year’s festival, with bands and entrepreneurs, showing the connection of the African diaspora.
One of the successes of the 2022 edition was the samba circle that animated the audience and protected them from the rain, leaving that feeling of “I want more”. The most faithful followers of the fair missed samba rock and the charming dance steps that enlivened other editions. For Afro-entrepreneurs from all over Brazil, it was the opportunity to sell, show unique pieces on the catwalk, but also to find an audience interested in products with identity.
MC Sophia, who grew up at the festival, brought debates in the form of music, showing strong rhymes. Baiana System and Iza closed the schedule on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, drawing large audiences and excited to be singing to a mostly black audience. For those who follow Feira Preta for a long time, like me, you can feel a more mature event and expect an even more powerful edition in 2023. As the slogan of the event reminds us: the future is today and, in the case of the festival, all black.
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