Belov Group to Sponsor Ilê Aiyê in 2025

Adapted to English from an article originally published on LinkedIn and the Belov Group website.

The Belov Group has signed a partnership agreement with one of the most renowned groups of resistance, identity and black culture in the country, Ilê Aiyê, assuming the role of official sponsor of the cultural association's 2025 Annual Plan.

The support, sealed on January 8, comes at an important time and is part of the company's annual planning, which includes greater reach in ESG actions. "Historically and culturally, Belov has been active in supporting the communities and institutions around it. It's in the company's DNA. And being with Ilê Aiyê fills us with joy," comments the administrative and financial director, Luiz Alberto Sant'Ana.

The "2025 Annual Plan: Ancestrality in Evidence" represents more than just an Ilê event calendar. It aims to secure the resources needed for the organization to promote cultural and educational actions, and reach new generations and new territories. "For us, it is a great pleasure to participate in this project and to be able to contribute to the promotion of Afro culture, Bahian culture and Brazilian culture. Education through culture has a transforming potential, and that is what Belov believes in," says Sant'Ana.

In addition to representatives from Ilê Aiyê and the Belov Group, the signing event was attended by the president of Funarte (National Arts Foundation), Maria Marighella, and the advisor to the Culture Secretariat of the State of Bahia, Rafael Manga, representing the secretary Bruno Monteiro.

The first event with the new support is already scheduled to take place. This is the awards ceremony for the 51st Black Music Festival (FMN) of Ilê Aiyê, to be held on January 26, at 4 pm, at the association's headquarters, Senzala do Barro Preto, located in Curuzu, in Salvador/BA, with performances by finalists, Band'Aiyê, and guest attractions.

Learn about other scheduled events:

• Black Music Festival (January): Selection of the Carnival theme song, aligned with the theme "Kenya, the Cradle of Humanity".
• Black Beauty Night (February): Celebration that elects the Ebony Goddess, symbolizing the strength and beauty of black women.
• Ilê Aiyê Carnival (March): Three days of vibrant parades through the carnival circuits of Salvador, connecting tradition and innovation.
• Arr'Aiyê do Ilê (June): A June festival that combines Northeastern and Afro-Brazilian roots, with music and typical cuisine.
• Black Mother Week (September): Lectures, workshops and events in honor of Mother Hilda, highlighting the strength of black women.
• Erê Festival (October): Celebration with children and young people from the Band'Erê School, promoting culture and education.
• Azeviche November (November): Participation in events during Black Awareness month, focusing on resistance and representativeness.
• Ilê Aiyê Anniversary (November): Celebration of the institution's 51st anniversary, with a special rehearsal at Senzala do Barro Preto.
• Launch of the 2026 Carnival Theme (December): Presentation of the theme for the next Carnival.
• Special Rehearsal (December): Year-end party at the institution's headquarters, with special actions for children in vulnerable situations.

About Ilê Aiyê

Founded in 1974 in the Curuzu neighborhood of Salvador, Ilê Aiyê is the first Afro bloc in Brazil and an icon of Afro-Brazilian culture. Recognized for its history of resistance and promotion of black identity, the institution celebrates 50 years of history, completed in 2024, consolidating itself as a living cultural heritage of Bahia and Brazil. Over five decades, Ilê Aiyê has stood out for its cultural and educational projects, which transform the lives of thousands of people, in addition to its performance in Carnival, which arouses the expectation of national and international admirers.

Photographs: Fabrício Rocha/Caderno 2 Produções