The appropriation of public spaces and the cultural heritage at Carnival: historical centers of São Luiz do Paraitinga (Brazil) and Santiago de Cuba (Cuba)

Resumo

São Luiz do Paraitinga, listed a Historical and Landscape Ensemble, and Santiago de Cuba, listed a National Monument, are Latin American cities that hold countless festivals in the public spaces of their historical centers, where Carnival is the most important. As a social practice, the festivity optimizes the touristic exploration of both cities and cultural heritage spaces. The observation of the routes in both Carnivals enables one to understand how residents and tourists appropriate those spaces. The comparison of both contexts as a method of study – emphasizing similarities and differences – revealed common strategies regarding the appropriation of public spaces and cultural heritage in the paths taken during the Carnival parades. The analysis sought to understand how the Carnival transformed the historical centers of both cities into privileged places for social practices and tourist exploration. In conclusion, the most relevant aspects analyzed from these findings are highlighted.