São Paulo – Santos, a coastal city 80 km from the São Paulo state capital, will host between the end of September and beginning of October the 9th edition of Tarrafa Literária, a literary festival that takes place every year since 2009. In 2017, for the first time, the event is supported by the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce – a fact that should, from now on, expand the presence of content related to the Arab culture.
Tarrafa Literária is a literary festival that gathers readers and writers to talk and debate many issues, from literature to sciences, history, journalism, soccer and gastronomy. The idea, according to organizer José Luiz Tahan, is to have great entertainment and culture party sans the academic aspect.
“It’s an international festival where we always try to bring Brazilian and foreign writers to discuss the issues. There isn’t a central specific theme, we try to cover many themes in the discussion panels,” explains Tahan, who, in addition to being the organizer, is a bookseller and editor.
For this edition, set to occur in places nearby Santos’ historical downtown, such as theater Theatro Guarany, the Coffee Museum and the facilities of the local SESC (Social Service of Commerce), Tahan plans to hold a discussion panel on the Arab culture. He invited some writers of Arab origins – the programme, however, isn’t set yet, waiting for confirmation. “There’s a wish to bring Brazilian and Arab culture even closer,” he says.
According to the organizer, Santos has historical ties with the Arab community. “Me, I’m the grandson of Lebanese grandparents, who arrived in Brazil through the Santos port,” he says.
Adel Auada, vice-president of management of the Arab Chamber, highlights the support of the organization to the event: “Through our cultural board of directors we always try to encourage the Arab culture in Brazil. This event features literary panels and debates, with the presence of authors of Arab origins,” he explains.
In addition to the festival, which runs for four days, Tahan organizes during the year the so-called Tarrafadas, one-day debates. The December edition, still without a date, already has one name confirmed: author Milton Hatoum, of Lebanese origins.
Quick info
9th Tarrafa Literária – Literature International Festival
From September 27 to October 1 in Santos (SP)
Free Admission
Information: https://www.facebook.com/festivaltarrafaliteraria/
*Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
