A new cultural festival is coming to the Greater Moncton Area this weekend, marking the first time Brazilian Day will be celebrated in the region.
Hosted by the Brazilian Association of New Brunswick, the free event will take place on Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m. at Place 1604 in Dieppe.
It will feature live Brazilian music, dance performances, food vendors, arts and crafts, workshops, and activities for children.
Giselle Bertolacini, vice president of the association, said the celebration reflects the growing presence of Brazilians in the Maritimes and their connection to similar events held around the world.
“We also want to keep our culture alive, and that’s what connects us with all the Brazilian days all over the world,” Bertolacini said.
“We’re all Brazilians sharing the space with other cultures, and we don’t want to forget our roots.”
Brazilian Day is celebrated in cities with large Brazilian immigrant communities, such as Toronto, Tokyo, Lisbon, Miami, New York, and Montreal.
Bertolacini said the local version is a way to share Brazilian culture while recognizing the support the community has received in New Brunswick.
Public buildings in the city of Moncton will be lit up in green and yellow, the colours of the Brazilian flag, for the first time, in honour of the celebration.
“Lighting up the city with our colours is such a special moment for us,” Bertolacini said.
“It’s a reason to celebrate our presence in the region, celebrate the fact that New Brunswick has opened their arms to celebrate our culture, to embrace our people.”
The event will be hosted in Portuguese, French and English. Organizers say they expect attendees from across the Maritimes, including newcomers and visiting families from Brazil.
The Brazilian Association of New Brunswick is a non-profit organization run by volunteers.
Bertolacini said anyone interested in volunteering or sponsoring future events is encouraged to reach out through the association’s social media channels.
