By Andrea Hargraves 
Arraial da Habitação delighted the residents of Residencial Vista do Verde, in Bairro das Indústrias, this Thursday (13), in a ceremony prepared by the Secretariat of Housing (Semhab), in partnership with the João Pessoa Cultural Foundation (Funjope). The June event saw a performance by the xaxado group “As Cangaceiras de Lampião” and the pé de serra trio “Azulão do Forró”.
Housing Minister Socorro Gadelha highlighted that São João is the most traditional festival in the Northeast and that Arraial da Habitação was organized to preserve traditional life, while at the same time promoting the moment of integration among the population. “São João is cultural and the party is contagious. Our festival has direct participation from the residents, as they have a space to sell soft drinks and traditional foods, which represents a source of income for these people,” he commented.
The Arraial da Habitação program continues on Friday (14) for residents of Residencial Vista Alegre, in Colinas do Sul. “Our commitment is to change people’s lives for the better and provide them with the right to participate in June celebrations, which is an important cultural manifestation,” said Socorro Gadelha.
Attractions – The Cangaceiras de Lampião consists of 12 elderly women, the oldest member of which is 80 years old. This year, the band, which has been around for 13 years, performed at the opening of Maior São João do Mundo in Campina Grande. Seo Raymundo is the coordinator.
The Azulão do Forró trio Pé de Serra is very traditional in João Pessoa. Artist José Antonio Azulao leads the trio, which includes a group composed by Santana, Flavio José, Trio Nordestino, Tres do Nordeste, Elba Ramalho and Pinto do Accordion, among other artists.
