Partying and occupation: an occupational analysis of the Bailes da Saudade

Abstract Introduction There are deep relationships between Brega parties and the city of Belém do Pará, Brazil, manifested in everyday practices that influence the city’s cultural, performance and identity characteristics. These parties are held weekly and inform three main actors: partygoers, bregueiros, and DJs. Even though they are widely validated in the periphery, the Brega parties face processes of social marginalization of their practices, with derogatory notions attributed to the ways of living and everyday actions of the subjects involved with this movement. Among the Brega parties, this study highlights the Baile da Saudade, which concentrates on characteristics more linked to the initial Brega movement. Objective To identify the meanings of producing/participating in the Baile da Saudade parties based on the perspective of its main actors. Method This qualitative study, which was inspired by an ethnographic approach, heard five participants: one DJ, two party planners, and two bregueiros. The data was generated through participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and the Photovoice. The resources were analyzed by Thematic Analysis. Results Four thematic units were generated: particularities of the Baile da Saudade, construction of the party as a cultural product, differences in consumption between the Center and the Periphery of city, as well as stigmas and acceptance associated with this party. Conclusion The study revealed the constraints, tensions, and potentials of producing/participating in Baile da Saudade parties, and allowed reflection on the role of some occupations from the counter-hegemonic perspective.