Brazil's 2025 Science Festivals Spark Community Enthusiasm and Educational Growth
Brazil's 2025 science festivals in Petrolina and Salvador engage communities through educational events, robotics, and cultural activities, enhancing local scientific culture.
- • Petrolina's SNCT attracted over 1,000 visitors with a focus on river and marine ecosystems.
- • EACC in Petrolina hosted the event for the first time, emphasizing community-science connections.
- • Salvador's II Festival SESI features 685 science projects and interactive robotics tournaments.
- • The festivals aim to promote STEAM education and reduce school dropout rates through engaging activities.
Key details
Brazilian cities Petrolina and Salvador have recently hosted vibrant science and technology festivals in 2025, fostering community engagement and educational enrichment. In Petrolina, the Semana Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia (SNCT) was held at the Espaço Arte, Ciência e Cultura (EACC), drawing over a thousand visitors. The event's theme, 'From Velho Chico to the Ocean: Popularizing Scientific Culture of Waters in the Pernambuco Sertão,' highlighted the ecological and cultural bonds between the Velho Chico river and marine ecosystems. EACC director Professor Patrícia Nicola praised the event's success, emphasizing its emotional impact on attendees and its role in reinforcing the center's mission to bridge science and society. Student Daniel de Souza noted the experience deepened his understanding of local science and culture.
Meanwhile, Salvador prepared for the II Festival SESI de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação scheduled for December 12-13 at Escola SESI Djalma Pessoa. This free event will feature a science fair including the Feira Nacional de Iniciação Científica (FENIC) with 685 projects, robotics tournaments themed 'UNEARTHED' for young students, interactive workshops, and cultural performances such as cosplay contests. Armando da Costa Neto, SESI Bahia's director, highlighted the festival's role in promoting STEAM education and showcasing students' entrepreneurial and creative talents, aiming also to reduce school dropout rates. The festival offers free tickets and transportation, ensuring broad accessibility.
Both festivals exemplify Brazil's commitment to demystifying science, promoting hands-on learning, and integrating culture with technology to inspire youth and strengthen community ties.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.