contação

Contação is the act of telling stories aloud within Portuguese-speaking cultures, most notably in Brazil. It refers to a storytelling performance or session in which a storyteller, or contador(a) de histórias, narrates myths, legends, folktales, fables, or contemporary narratives to an audience. The emphasis is on oral transmission rather than written text, with attention to voice, timing, rhythm, facial expressions, and body language. Audience participation and improvisation are common, and performances may incorporate props, music, or sound effects.

As a core element of the oral tradition, contação helps preserve language, cultural memory, and communal values. It is widely used in libraries, schools, cultural centers, and festival settings to educate, entertain, and strengthen community ties. In Portuguese-speaking regions, contação de histórias often draws on a blend of Indigenous, African, and European storytelling influences, with storytellers adapting traditional narratives to local contexts and contemporary themes.

A related distinction is sometimes made between contação and conto: contação denotes the act of telling a story aloud, while conto refers to a short story in written or published form. The practice of contação covers a range of styles, from simple storytelling sessions for children to more elaborate performances that explore literary or folkloric material.

See also: storytelling, oral tradition, contador de histórias, contos, folktales.