Cariri Lapinhas Keep Natal Tradition Alive

Lapinhas in the Cariri region of Ceará are maintaining a century-old tradition of folk performances during the Natal season. In Vila Novo Horizonte, 76-year-old Zulene Galdino leads rehearsals to pass rituals to new generations.

The Lapinha Santa Clara in Juazeiro do Norte, established 113 years ago under Padre Cícero's guidance, remains the oldest group. It has been led by three generations of women: founder Teodora, daughter Tatai, and granddaughter Vanda Pereira da Silva, who passed away in March 2025.

The group currently includes about 30 performers and visits seven churches across the Cariri. Performances feature children and adolescents portraying religious figures, with the Santa Clara group uniquely including a romeiro representing Padre Cícero and an enactment of Saint Clare of Assisi.

These activities intensify during school holidays, engaging students who view participation as a way to honor their culture.

Zulene Galdino, at 76 years old, patiently rehearses verses and steps with children in the courtyard of her home in Vila Novo Horizonte, a suburb of Crato in the Cariri region of Ceará. She prepares for another lapinha presentation, a reenactment of the Nativity night.

The festivities continue until January 6, the Day of Kings, when the Lapinha is traditionally burned. Zulene's work serves to keep the popular tradition alive and pass the rites to new generations.

She learned the tradition from her mother, who taught that the living Nativity was the most beautiful story in the world. The group has existed for many years, with children and grandchildren from the same families participating over time.

Zulene is recognized as a Master of Culture by the Government of the State of Ceará.

The Lapinha Santa Clara in Juazeiro do Norte is considered the oldest in the Cariri, with 113 years of existence. It was created under the guidance of Padre Cícero.

The group has had three mistresses as organizers:

1. Teodora (the founder)
2. Tatai (the daughter)
3. Vanda Pereira da Silva (the granddaughter, who died in March 2025)

Currently, the coordination is handled by the widow of mistress Vanda, Damião Felipe, who leads approximately 30 performers.

Damião Felipe describes the activity: "The lapinha is a visit to the Child Jesus in the Nativity scene. It is a religious praise. We visit seven churches and make presentations in various cities of the Cariri."

In the folkloric reenactment of the Nativity night, children and adolescents represent Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, along with angels, shepherds, animals, and celestial bodies like the sun and the Star of Bethlehem.

The Lapinha Santa Clara includes specific peculiarities: the presence of a romeiro representing Padre Cícero and the enactment of Santa Clara (Saint Clare of Assisi), a 13th-century Italian Catholic nun who gives the group its name.

According to folklorist Luís da Câmara Cascudo, lapinha is the popular denomination of pastoril, consisting of songs, praises, and loas sung in front of the Nativity scene on Christmas night.

The term originates from lapa (cave), referencing the cavern where the Holy Family took refuge according to the Protoevangelium of James.

In the Cariri region, lapinhas have an intense schedule. During school holidays, the groups attract many students, mostly children, though adolescents also enjoy participating.

Lucas Eduardo Gomes Lima, 19 years old, plays the zambumba (a type of drum) for the Lapinha Santa Clara. He has previously played other characters in the performance.

Lucas stated: "It is very important to keep this culture alive. Christ gave us life, every year we have the opportunity to thank and worship."

Maria Geovana Santos, 13 years old, has been part of the lapinha for two years. She expressed her feelings about the experience: "It is very cool to come to rehearsals. I feel honored to know that other people will meet me and feel motivated to participate and value the culture of our Cariri."