Amanhã haverá feira-livre: a dimensão territorial da feira-livre da Avenida Brasil em Juiz de Fora - MG

Abstract

The present work discusses the territorial dimension of open-air markets, specifically focusing on the Feira-livre da Avenida Brasil in Juiz de Fora (MG). The research investigates how power struggles unfold around the territory of the Feira-livre da Avenida Brasil and additionally questions how open-air markets persist in contemporary times in the face of more modern spatial forms of commerce. Thus, the research assumes its main objective is to understand the spatial formation and utilization of the territory in the context of the Feira-livre da Avenida Brasil in Juiz de Fora, MG. We define open-air markets as a form of retail commerce with a weekly periodicity, characterized by the trade of horticultural and agricultural products, preferably established in outdoor public spaces. This form, through the relationships it establishes, materializes power struggles, creating a territory within public space and oriented towards the local supply of essential goods, marked by characteristics beyond commercial aspects. As it is used, it creates neighborhood ties, sociability, and resistance. To achieve this objective, we conducted quantitative-descriptive investigations to test hypotheses through structured interviews with market vendors and consumers. We adopted techniques of systematic observation and explanatory investigation for our visits to the open-air market. Concurrently, we conducted a bibliographical review of the concept of open-air markets, a theoretical-conceptual review regarding utilized space, and a documentary analysis of the historical geography of open-air markets in Juiz de Fora. We found that open-air markets in Juiz de Fora are the result of the strikes by urban workers in the municipality in 1924. We found that the sunday market gradually relocated further away from the city center to the left bank of the Rio Paraibuna, on Avenida Brasil, driven by urban desires for modernity and political actions. Likewise, we outlined the profile of the individuals directly involved with the open-air market, including vendors and consumers, and how their practices involve horizontal strategies that contribute to the Feira-livre da Avenida Brasil’s ability to (re)exist in the contemporary city, despite hegemonic agents in the field of food and food distribution.