Gastronomia, Cultura e Lazer

This article addresses the organization of gastronomic and street events, focusing on the experience of the Degusta Cidade Alta event in Bento Gonçalves – RS, which, in its second edition, stood out as a way to integrate culture, economy, and history. With tourism and gastronomy on the rise in various Brazilian cities, it becomes essential to understand the foundations of these events, which go beyond gastronomy to encompass street festivities. Methodologically, the study adopts a documentary research approach (Cellard, 2012), based on the principles of Cultural History (Chartier, 2002; 2006). The studies of authors such as Funk and Machado (2021), Machado (2016), Matias (2007), Moreira (2017), Possamai (2007), Sampaio (2020), Serrão (2020), Tonini, Scotton, and Carloto (2021), and Valduga (2011) are mobilized as a theoretical framework. The analyses conducted allow us to understand that gastronomic and street events play fundamental roles in promoting local products and attractions. The case of Degusta Cidade Alta highlights the potential of community-led initiatives to enhance tourism, intertwining economic development with cultural preservation. By valuing local history through initiatives such as photographic exhibitions, these events enrich both the experience of visitors and the lives of residents, promoting socioeconomic growth. The discussion presented serves as a starting point for a deeper exploration of the link between gastronomy and tourism, outlining pathways for future investigations.