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FESTIVALS |
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Brazil has a remarkable number of spectacular festivals and celebrations throughout the year. The following are just a few of the more prominent celebrations: |
| Dia do
Índio; April 19 is recognized in Brazil as Indians' Day, with a week
full of special events held at the Museu do Índio. Exhibitions, dance and
film presentations are organized daily. Location: Rio de Janeiro |
| Festa
Junina; is one of the oldest and most popular celebrations of the
year. It was introduced to Northeastern Brazil by the Portuguese for whom St
John's day (also celebrated as Midsummer Day in several European countries).
Festa Junina takes place during the tropical winter solstice between the eve
of St Anthony's day (June 12), and Saint Peter's day (June 29). During these
fifteen days, Bonfires are a central part of the festivities, along with
fireworks display, and folk dancing in the streets. Similar to Carnival,
these festivities involve costumes-wearing, and heavy drinking. Typical
refreshments and dishes are served. Location: Maceió |
| Virada
Cultural; is the biggest festival in São Paulo, and it is
organized by the Secretariat of Culture of the Municipality of São Paulo.
Since 2005, this annual event promotes 24 hours of non-stop cultural
activities held during the month of May, starting on Saturday night and
ending on Sunday afternoon. The event was inspired by the annual event named
Nuit Blanche in Paris, with many cultural entertainment events throughout
the night. The activities include music shows, dance shows, classical &
orchestra presentations, theater plays, cinema, poetry, anime/comics fans
meetings and acrobatic performances. The event takes place in several parts
of the downtown area, as well as some cultural centers, clubs and selected
schools. Over the course of a 24-hour period, locals and tourists can divide
their time among hundreds of attractions. Location: São Paulo |
Carnival
of Brazil is an annual festival held 46 days before Easter. It is the
most famous holiday in Brazil and has become an event of huge proportions.
The country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense ,
day and night, mainly in coastal cities. The consumption of beer accounts
for 80% of annual consumption and tourism receives 70% of annual visitors.
The government distributes condoms and launches awareness campaigns at this
time to prevent the spread of AIDS.Rhythm, participation, and costumes vary from one region to another. In the southeastern cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, huge organized parades are led by samba schools. Those official parades are meant to be watched by the public, while minor parades ("blocos") allowing public participation can be found in other cities. The northeastern cities of Salvador, Porto Seguro and Recife organize group parades through streets, and public interacts directly with them. This carnival is heavily influenced by African-Brazilian culture. Crowds follow the trio elétricos floats through the city streets. Also in northeast, Olinda carnival features unique characteristics, part influenced by Venice Carnival mixed with cultural depictions of local folklore. Location: Maceió, Rio de Janiero, São Paulo, Salvador |
| São Paulo
Fashion Week was established in 1996 under the name Morumbi Fashion
Brasil. Today, it is the largest and most important fashion event in Latin
America. This fashion event is held at Ibirapuera Park in São Paulo twice a
year, once in January, featuring the fall collection, and then in June with
spring collection, with its all-famous Brazilian lines of beachwear. Location: São Paulo |
| The São
Paulo Art Biennial: is hosted every 2 years. Almost 1 million people
visited the 26th Biennial in 2004. Its theme was chosen to enable a wide
range of artistic positions to feel comfortable. In addition, to an
intensification of the North-South dialogue inside Brazil, the Bienal's aims
include the promoting of links between non-European cultures along a
South-South orientation. Location: São Paulo |
| São Paulo
Gay Pride Parade, The first parade took place in 1997, and has become
a major tourist draw for the city, attracting about 3 million people to
Paulista Avenue in 2010. It is opened by the city's mayor, running along the
avenue, accompanied by several Trio Elétricos. The Parade is an annual event
which taking places in June, and aims at increasing the visibility and
social awareness of the community, as well as agitating against
discrimination and in favor of positive legislation for homosexuals,
bisexuals, transvestites and transsexuals. Location: São Paulo |
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Oktoberfest, in Blumenau, SC was started in 1983. It is a
three-weekend festival with its high point being on the second weekend. It
is the biggest Oktoberfest in South America, and probably the biggest
outside of Germany. Holding out your mug during the parades on XV de
Novembro will result in plenty of free beer. During the parade, the music is
mostly in Portuguese. At night, the parties are held around town. Location: Blumenau, SC |
