Roberto de Lucena Celebrates Diversity with a Tourist Guide of Religions of African and Indigenous Origins

At the headquarters of the São Paulo State Department of Tourism and Travel, an event set the tone for the new positioning of the São Paulo government regarding the spiritual wealth of its people: the launch of the Tourist Guide to Religions of African and Indigenous Origins. The event, which combined culture, faith and editorial sophistication, was attended by secretaries Roberto de Lucena (Tourism and Travel) and Fábio Prieto (Justice and Citizenship), as well as religious leaders, representatives of traditional communities and state authorities.

The performances by the Ballet of the Orixás, from the Ilê Olá Omí Àsẹ Opô Àràkà house, from São Bernardo do Campo, and from the community of the Filhos desta Terra Multiethnic Indigenous Reserve, from Guarulhos, began an afternoon of celebration and reverence for the religious plurality and ancestry of the peoples that shape the spiritual profile of São Paulo.

A treasure on the shelves of the world

"Today is a very special day for us," Secretary Roberto de Lucena said emotionally during the event. "Together, we are producing a true treasure that will be on the shelves of Brazil and the world. A guide that shows the soul of São Paulo, its religiosity, its culture."

A recognized evangelical and conciliatory figure, Lucena firmly defends harmonious coexistence between the various segments of faith. “São Paulo is intolerant of intolerance. Here, everyone is welcome, regardless of their religion, belief, origin or race. Spiritual plurality is part of our identity,” he stated in an exclusive interview with Travel2Latam.

Guide celebrates ancestry and combats erasure

The launch of the guide was the result of an inter-secretariat collaboration focused on valuing traditional peoples. “It is a way for the state government to pay respectful homage to religions of African and indigenous origins,” explained Lucena, mentioning the essential contribution of religious leaders and traditional communities in the design of the content. “Each people has a unique spirituality. Therefore, we mapped these expressions responsibly, in dialogue with their representatives,” he emphasized.

The tourism coordinator of Setur-SP, Ana Clemente, was mentioned by name by the secretary as one of the key figures in the development of the project, whose editorial sophistication was also praised by secretary Fábio Prieto. “This material is exquisite. The quality of the record and what it offers to the future are exceptional. It seems like something from a multinational company,” said Prieto.

Religious plurality as a strategic tourist axis

Roberto de Lucena has been the state secretary of Tourism and Travel for São Paulo since 2023. A federal deputy on leave, writer and pastor, the manager has guided his work by valuing cultural and religious diversity, as demonstrated by his policy of themed tourist guides. “We have already launched the Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish and Halal guides. Now, we celebrate African and indigenous traditions. This is a strategic axis. Religious tourism is one of the biggest drivers of the economy worldwide.”

In total, more than 30 tourist guides have been organized by the department under his management. Each one, according to him, reflects not only the potential for tourist attraction, but also the commitment to preserving São Paulo's intangible heritage.

Investment in tourism as a vector for social transformation

Setur-SP’s strategy goes beyond religious tourism. The secretary highlighted other priority areas of the administration, such as strengthening rural, nautical and gastronomic tourism. “The Sabor de São Paulo program, for example, values ​​artisanal cuisine. In rural tourism, we have more than 1,300 properties ready to receive tourists. Our goal is to keep families in the countryside, generate income and preserve local knowledge.”

Another highlight was the revitalization of the capital's center. “The project for a new center for a new São Paulo is already underway. The old Cracolândia no longer exists. Coordinated actions between the state government and the city government, with police intelligence and social support, are returning this region to the population,” said Lucena, citing the Palácio dos Campos Elíseos as a symbol of the planned transformation.

Tourism as a legacy of coexistence

With the expectation of reaching the 51 million tourist mark by 2025, São Paulo is establishing itself as one of the largest tourist hubs in the world, especially in the business and events segment. However, for Lucena, the true legacy of his administration will be the ability of tourism to educate people about respect. “Behind every tradition, there are wonderful people. And what we are trying to do is ensure that everyone feels seen, respected and represented.”

The Tourist Guide to Religions of African and Indigenous Origins is, therefore, more than a publication: it is a declaration of principles. An invitation for the world to see São Paulo in its entirety.

Report and photo: Mary de Aquino.