For many years, inclusion has held a prominent place among the themes addressed by FESTURIS, reflecting a commitment that goes beyond the boundaries of tourism. In partnership with APAE Gramado and Serra Park, the event will also develop initiatives focused on productive inclusion, strengthening the belief that promoting inclusion is essential to ensuring the full exercise of citizenship, expanding opportunities and building a fairer and more accessible society for everyone.

For the 2026 edition, Festuris will feature a very special moment, open to the community, taking place on one of the afternoons of the event — November 13. “Together with APAE Gramado, we want to deepen the discussion about inclusion through inspiring stories capable of raising awareness, transforming perceptions and, above all, encouraging new attitudes and practices that contribute to building a more inclusive, welcoming and conscious society,” says Marta Rossi, CEO of Festuris.

FESTURIS Inclusion – Connections Without Limits will broaden perspectives and encourage new attitudes and practices, reinforcing the importance of inclusion and respect for diversity as pathways toward building a more welcoming and accessible society for everyone.

Stories That Connect

Three inspiring stories will take the FESTURIS Inclusion stage:

DJ HeyDoc – a talented young artist with an international career and an autistic person who, through music, builds bridges between the worlds of neurotypical and neurodivergent people. Through art, talent and energy, he shows that inclusion also happens when different ways of being, feeling and expressing oneself find space to connect.

Manuela Vasquez – an influencer and activist who delivered a speech in Geneva, Switzerland, at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council, addressing the importance of support networks, rights and the inclusion of people with Down syndrome. Through her presence, voice and journey, Manuela helps broaden the discussion about autonomy, empowerment and social participation, showing that people with disabilities should occupy spaces of expression, decision-making and representation.

Yves Dupont – an athlete from Rio Grande do Sul with Down syndrome who made history in Brazilian judo by becoming, in 2007, the first judoka with Down syndrome to earn a black belt in Rio Grande do Sul and the second in Brazil. With a journey marked by dedication, discipline and overcoming barriers, Yves has also represented Brazil in international competitions and won medals at Judo For All events.

Text: Ilton Müller | fernando@festurisgramado.com.br
Photo: HeyDoc!/Personal Archive

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