História das ginásticas em Goiás, 1866-1916

This article analyzes the history of gymnastics in Goiás between 1866 and 1916, a period that corresponds to the first initiatives of the organization of this practice in the region, with the press, the Company of Military Learners and circus and theatrical companies being the first three main institutions responsible by this process. Also, secondarily, attempts to include gymnastics in the Episcopal Institute or the existence of books on this subject in the public library in the region are also considered. Thus, this article tried to understand the variability of possible meanings of gymnastics, considering not only the hygienic, rational and utilitarian aspects of these practices, more emphasized in the historiography on the subject, but also its playful and festive aspects. We also search an articulation with the problems of regional history, particularly the way Goiás is traditionally represented, i.e., a delayed, isolated and decaying place. In this sense, the articulation of gymnastics presentations with other entertainment marketing tools problematize these representation modes