Sustainable practices in religious events

The case of the Feast of Nossa Senhora da Abadia in Romaria - MG

Abstract

The religious festivals that take place in Brazil attract believers from different locations and generate social, environmental, and economic impacts in the regions and surrounding cities in which they occur. Although there are studies that discuss the social, environmental, and economic impacts of religious events in Brazil, the literature lacks research that analyses the environmental impacts of the Festa de Nossa Senhora da Abadia. Therefore, this article aims to analyse the environmental sustainability of the Festa de Nossa Senhora da Abadia. Senhora da Abadia in Romaria - MG, identifying its main environmental impacts and proposing measures to make the event more sustainable. The research adopts a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach, using field and documentary research methods, including direct observation and document analysis. The results reveal that the party generates environmental impacts, especially in relation to waste generation and water and energy consumption. The research suggests the need for more efficient management of natural resources and awareness on the part of participants and organisers of the festival, aiming to make the Feast of Nossa Senhora da Abadia in Romaria - MG a more sustainable and environmentally responsible event.