Banners of hope:

faith, cultural identity, and human rights of Calon gypsy children in Quissamã - RJ

Abstract

This article, derived from a thesis defended in 2023, seeks to understand the active participation of Calon Romani children in faith processions, aiming to preserve cultural maintenance and identity. The objective of the study is to analyze how the Calon children from the Mathias camp in Quissamã, RJ, experience and reinterpret their religious and cultural practices, considering human rights and coloniality. The adopted methodology was ethnographic, using photoethnography and interviews conducted via cell phone. The main results indicate that rituals and promises play a central role in the spiritual life of Calon children, being essential for affirming their human rights and resisting colonial dynamics. It is concluded that religious practices, such as Catholic promises and processions, are fundamental for the construction and maintenance of cultural identity and for the social cohesion of the community. These practices not only highlight the cultural resilience of the Calon but also emphasize the importance of recognizing and valuing cultural and religious diversity in a democratic society.