CACHAÇA: A BRAZILIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE.

Pedro Ivo Hubner Fajardo

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Complete Paper

Summary

Paper Title

CACHAÇA: A BRAZILIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE.

Authors

Pedro Ivo Hubner Fajardo

Modality

Abstract

Subject area

3. Universalism and diversity: Rereading the Doctrinal Documents from Diverse Perspectives - A discussion on the importance of the Venice Charter (and other related doctrinal documents) through diverse epistemologies and perspectives, acknowledging the cultural diversity of heritage and exploring contributions from the Global South.

Publishing Date

11/04/2025

Country of Publishing

Brazil | Brasil

Language of Publishing

Inglês

Paper Page

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/869757-cachaca--a-brazilian-cultural-heritage

ISBN

978-65-272-1284-3

Keywords

Cachaça, Brazilian cultural Heritage, Tangible, Intangible, Venice Charter, Sugar cane

Summary

Each country has its traditional distilled beverage, each possessing unique characteristics that reflect the culture producing it. Brazil is no exception, as cachaça is considered one of the first distilled beverages in the Americas and internationally recognized as a symbol of Brazilian culture. The history of production process of cachaça intertwines with the nation’s history; since the early decades of colonization, cachaça has played a significant role in the trade of enslaved people, sparked revolts, and inspired various cultural, artistic, and religious expressions. Produced in nearly every Brazilian state, it varies regionally in sensory qualities and craftsmanship techniques. Unique among distilled spirits worldwide, cachaça is traditionally aged in various types of wood, including blends from different barrels. Despite its production dating back to the 16th century, only in the 1990s did cachaça receive legal recognition from the Brazilian federal government. Subsequently, it achieved Geographical Indication status and international recognition. From the perspective of tangible and intangible heritage, the remains of historical sugar mills also constitute a crucial tangible legacy. These historic buildings where cachaça has been made for centuries are not mere architectural legacies but also embody cultural importance of cachaça and memory of creativity. The history of cachaça production has brought to life by the silent presence of these historical sites, helping tourists appreciate this material legacy as integral to national cultural identity. Moreover, maintaining these ruins supports cultural tourism growth as well as income generation and local development. Historic sites like the Itamaracá Mill in Pernambuco and the São Vicente Mill in São Paulo exemplify this relationship, representing some of Brazil’s oldest cultural and historical landmarks. The interplay between the material culture (such as sugar mills) and the intangible culture production process of cachaça is undeniable. Despite this rich history, the production process of cachaça has not been designated yet as a national intangible cultural heritage. This contribution aims to explore and analyze the material and intangible cultural heritage associated with production process of cachaça, contextualized through the principles outlined in the Venice Charter and international frameworks such as the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003) and Brazil’s Decree no. 3551/2000, which establishes the registration of intangible cultural assets as Brazilian cultural heritage. Definitions of heritage in the Venice Charter will provide the foundation for analyzing the conservation of cachaça-related sites, while the 2003 Convention and Decree no. 3551/2000 will guide the exploration of production process of cachaça potential classification as a national intangible heritage.

Title of the Event: ICOMOS SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM 2024
City of the Event: Ouro Preto
Title of the Proceedings of the event: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings
Name of the Publisher: Even3
Means of Dissemination: Meio Digital

How to cite

FAJARDO, Pedro Ivo Hubner. CACHAÇA: A BRAZILIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE... In: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings. Anais...Ouro Preto(MG) Convention Center / UFOP/ UFMG Campus, 2024. Available in: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/869757-CACHACA--A-BRAZILIAN-CULTURAL-HERITAGE. Access in: 28/12/2025