JOÃO NETO,; http://lattes.cnpq.br/5448136405526331; SILVA NETO, João Pereira.
Abstract:
This dissertation analyzes the social and cultural identity of Juazeiro do Norte, focusing on the
sacrality of space and the collective memories of its inhabitants between 1934 and 2022.
Utilizing Thematic Oral History as the primary methodology, the research allows for the
collection of personal narratives and memories concerning the pilgrimages, the figure of Padre
Cícero, and local religious practices. Interviews were conducted with various social actors,
including pilgrims, long-time residents, local scholars, and religious leaders. The data analysis
is based on approaches to social memory and studies on sacred space, grounded in the
theoretical concepts of Deleuze, Guattari, and other relevant authors in the field. The research
adopts a phenomenological approach, harmonizing the materiality of the city with the emotions
and values present in its corners and squares. Sacred cartography plays a crucial role, guiding
the historical and contextual exploration of the city. The narrative highlights the complexity of
the pilgrims' experiences, revealing the multiplicity of perspectives and identities that make up
the city's reality. The sources utilized include interviews with pilgrims, residents, and religious
leaders, historical documents, personal archives, church records, local newspapers, and
academic studies on Juazeiro do Norte and Padre Cícero, as well as photographs, videos of
religious events, and historical maps of the city. The research covers the period from 1934 to
2022, providing a broad historical perspective that allows for the analysis of continuities and
changes in religious practices and the cultural identity of the city, capturing both the
consolidation of religious traditions after Padre Cícero's death and contemporary
transformations.