Brazil officially recognises guitarrada as national cultural expression

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has signed a law officially recognising guitarrada, a musical genre from the Para region, as a national cultural expression, according to a press release from the Brazilian Presidency.

Guitarrada, known for its distinctive sound, is an important cultural symbol of Para. The genre emerged in the municipality of Barcarena and is one of Para’s most popular musical expressions, now formally acknowledged as part of Brazil’s cultural patrimony.

Originating in the 1970s, guitarrada blends regional rhythms such as carimbo and siria with Caribbean styles including merengue, cumbia, mambo, and zouk. The electric guitar takes centre stage, often featured as the lead instrument. 

Early pioneers of the genre, dubbed the “first generation lambada guitarists,” include notable musicians such as Mario Goncalves, Solista Solano, and Marinho. 

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