the centro nacional de folclore e cultura popular -cnfcp (national center of folklore and popular culture) was established in 1958. nowadays the public institution is linked to instituto do patrimônio histórico e artístico nacional - iphan (national institute of historic and artisitic heritage)and the ministry of culture.

it is the only public institute tat develops federal programs and study projects, research, documentation, dissemintaion and promotion of expression of knowledge and practices of the brazilian people.