Shangai Park, a traditional amusement park in Penha, in the North Zone, was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Rio. The project was unanimously approved by the City Council during an extraordinary session this Wednesday (20).
The proposal was authored by councilman Paulo Messina (PL), who highlighted the emotional connection generations of Rio residents have with the century-old space — including his own.
“Shanghai Park is among my best childhood memories, and those of most Cariocas (residents of Rio de Janeiro). To this day, I take my three children there. For over a hundred years, it has brought joy to children. This recognition is very well deserved, given the historical and cultural value of this park, loved by all of us,” stated the parliamentarian.
Founded in 1919, Shangai is considered one of the oldest operating amusement parks in Brazil. For over a century, it moved to different locations before finally settling in 1966 in Largo da Penha, at the foot of the area's traditional church.
Before that, the park had encompassed locations such as the former Calabouço landfill and Quinta da Boa Vista.
Earlier this month, the site had already been declared an intangible cultural heritage site of the state of Rio de Janeiro, after acting governor Ricardo Couto (PL) approved a project presented by former deputy Andrezinho Ceciliano (PT), co-authored by deputy Marina do MST (PT). Now, the recognition occurs at both the state and municipal levels.
Imperatriz Leopoldinense also receives recognition.
And it was a day of recognition for the Leopoldina Zone. In the same session, the councilors approved another project that recognizes the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school as an intangible cultural heritage of Rio de Janeiro.
The proposal was presented by councilman Vitor Hugo (MDB), who is also a composer for the Ramos-based samba school. In the justification for the text, the councilman highlighted the historical, cultural, and touristic importance of the green and white samba school to the Rio de Janeiro carnival.
"Well-deserved recognition for one of the most traditional samba schools in our city," said the mayor.
Founded in 1959, Imperatriz emerged from members of the former Recreio de Ramos and became one of the most traditional samba schools in Rio.
The project also mentions the symbolism of the school's pavilion, which has 11 stars representing neighborhoods served by the Leopoldina railway line, including Ramos, Penha, Olaria, Bonsucesso, and Vigário Geral.
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