Buildings that are part of Foz do Iguaçu's cultural heritage require protection and promotion so that residents can recognize and be part of the same community, integrated into the chronology of the times of those who came before and that are linked to the present. This is citizenship. And some of the assets are in ruins, awaiting practical action by the government.
Collective history and memory, however, include references that go beyond old buildings. H2FOZ special series by 60 years of the International Friendship Bridge He dug into the past, brought back memories and gave voice to the “invisible”, citizens who help build the city every day, but who are forgotten in the solemn acts and deeds. They are neither makers nor part of history for the official purposes.
Characters, events and records involving the bridge are examples of the richness and scope of Iguaçu's cultural heritage, to be recorded, preserved and disseminated through public policies. The work's surveyor, for example, Joaquim Pereira, 92 years old, would give a lesson about and love for Foz do Iguaçu to many people holding public office.
Heritage, therefore, encompasses material and immaterial references, such as actions, practices and experiences: what gives a sense of collectivity. How can one consult the photographic collection that testifies to the first years that followed Vila Iguassú? Where can one learn about the unfolding of events through the passage of Santos Dumont or Luiz Carlos Prestes across the border, learn about the inaugural flight of the “Red Bird” or review the works and their menus? Or even immerse oneself in the stories collected from pioneers or residents from different eras?
Another example: is it enough to recognize as a listed property a school that educated and introduced generations of residents to formal education, but whose historical name was arbitrarily changed by decree, without the community's approval? Bartolomeu Mitre College is part of Foz do Iguaçu and needs to be fully restored.
Law No. 4.470/2016 deals with the protection of the city's cultural, historical, artistic and environmental heritage. The regulation establishes two instruments: the listing of buildings and the inventory for the recognition of intangible and public domain manifestations, places, artistic expressions, fairs and markets.
Some of the answers to the previous questions can be answered with archives, collections, memory houses, museums and projects to uncover and make visible the cultural heritage of Foz do Iguaçu in all its diversity. The other front requires a heritage plan that goes beyond the school curriculum, reaches universities and reaches communities.
The city has initiatives from people, groups and associations in favor of Foz do Iguaçu's heritage – history, memory and constitutive references of a multiple city –, revealing that human production and time are not a harmonious succession, but rather entail conflicts and contradictions. They deserve recognition and support. They highlight the lack of government action in an area where there is much to be done.
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