Mantova's Children's Day Celebration Strengthens Ties with the Community

Joy filled the air at Manoel Pereira dos Santos Municipal School on Friday (October 16), as Mantova held another edition of its traditional Children's Day celebration. The event brought together approximately 400 people, including students aged 4 to 14, teachers, school staff, and children of Mantova employees. Featuring hot dogs, cotton candy, soft drinks, popsicles, and inflatable attractions, the celebration provided opportunities for fun, social interaction, and stronger connections among families and the school community.

The initiative reflects a partnership built over more than 20 years. Gabriel Souza da Silva, the school's afternoon vice-principal, has been involved in the event for approximately four years and emphasizes the importance of the experience for students. “It's a partnership that students look forward to all year long. They even call the celebration ‘Mantova Day,’” he says. He also points out that, for many children, the event offers an opportunity to enjoy recreational activities, interact with students from different classes, and experience special moments outside their regular school routine.

A Tradition Built on Dedication

Behind each edition are months of planning and the involvement of Mantova employees who volunteer their time. Natália Silva de Jesus, from Mantova's Human Resources department and one of the event organizers alongside Fernanda Duarte Monteiro, explains that preparations for the following year's celebration begin as soon as the current one ends. “We start thinking about the next celebration right away. We need to plan the food, the venue, the T-shirts, which change color every year, and look for new attractions for the kids,” she explains.

Fernanda, who has been involved in the initiative for 11 years, highlights the significance of the event for a company that is part of the community in which it operates. For her, providing this experience for children is a way to contribute to the neighborhood and strengthen relationships built over time. “It's incredibly rewarding to see the smiles on their faces. We prepare throughout the year, and everyone helps and contributes. In the end, seeing the children's happiness makes it all worthwhile,” she says.

A Story That Grows with the Community

The celebration's impact can also be seen in the connection students develop with the initiative over the years. Children who attended previous editions have grown up and now return as volunteers, helping create the same experience for new generations. It is an example of how an ongoing initiative can build lasting relationships and become part of a community's history.

By also inviting employees' children, Mantova expands this opportunity for social interaction and brings different families together around a shared purpose: celebrating childhood. The voluntary participation of employees reinforces the spirit of collaboration that sustains the initiative year after year.

As a company based in the Centenário neighborhood, Mantova values its close relationship with the local community and believes that creating moments of joy and togetherness is also part of its commitment to people. The Children's Day celebration reflects this commitment through a tradition built over the years, one that continues to hold a special place in the memories of those who take part.