Memória e identidade cultural: o clube Bahia do Socorro na construção da identidade Socorrense

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the formation and trajectory of the Bahia de Socorro Club in Maranhão through the methodology of Oral History, highlighting its relevance as a symbol of identity, social cohesion, and cultural heritage for the local community. The research analyzes how the club, founded in the 1980s by a group of football enthusiasts, became an important space for sociability and cultural expression, directly influencing social relations and everyday life in Socorro.

Through the oral accounts of former players, fans, and community leaders, it was possible to understand the role of Bahia not only as a sports team but also as an agent of social transformation, bringing together different generations and promoting inclusion. The Oral History methodology allowed for the recovery of memories from those who experienced the club’s most significant moments, providing a richer and more detailed perspective on its importance to the city.

The study also revealed how football, beyond sports competition, functions as a mechanism for strengthening local identity, fostering bonds of friendship, respect, and solidarity among community members. Ultimately, the research reaffirms the Bahia de Socorro Club as an intangible heritage that reflects the city's sociocultural dynamics and highlights the lasting impact of sports in shaping collective memory and the identity of a community.