“Agoniza, mas não morre”: geografia cotidiana das rodas de samba urbano – estudo de caso Samba do Zezinho Juiz de Fora-MG

Abstract

This dissertation aims to identify how urban samba circles—an essential manifestation within the universe of samba—contribute to the production of urban space. To this end, the research combines a bibliographic review addressing the tensions between popular culture and mass culture in the recent process of popularization of samba circles in Brazil, with a case study developed through participant observation at Samba do Zezinho, an urban samba circle located in the Altos dos Passos neighborhood, in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais. “Agoniza, mas não morre” is a qualitative study that employs interviews and questionnaires as data collection methods. It mobilizes geographical concepts such as territory, urban space, centrality, and rhythm to interpret the role of urban samba circles in everyday life. Ultimately, the research presents the impacts on spatial use and the built environment caused by Samba do Zezinho on Morais e Castro Street, highlighting urban samba circles and their participants as agents in the production of cities and of distinct circuits characterized by continuous flows of people and goods. It also discusses broader issues concerning the production of leisure centers through cultural manifestations and their defining characteristics.