São Paulo – Even away from Brazil, the Brazilian residents of Beirut and the Lebanese will get a taste from Carnival. The Brazilian Cultural Centre in Lebanon will host a carnival party in its office, in the capital of the Arab country, next Friday (20), starting at 8 PM. The entrance is free.
The plan is to replicate the Brazilian culture in Lebanon. “There is an expectation and requests by the Brazilian and Lebanese communities to hold a Carnival party”, says the director of the Brazilian Cultural Centre in Lebanon, Najua Bazzi. According to her, the Carnival party is an opportunity to promote the cultural space and the Brazilian roots, music, culinary and culture.
Last year, the event didn’t occur but it’s usually held every year, with lots of Lebanese attending it. “They welcome it cheerfully and join the dance and this encourages them to learn our language”, says Bazzi.
The party scheduled to the 20th will have two percussion groups, Passos Alegres and Segundo Bloco. Both of them have Brazilians among their members but the majority of the band is made of Lebanese who have learned the rhythm, along with capoeira and the Portuguese language.
The typical Brazilian food and drinks will be provided by Lisa’s Cuisine, a traditional Brazilian restaurant owned by a Brazilian couple. A contest will also be held to elect the best costume, says Bazzi.
Children can attend as long as they are accompanied by the parents.
The Brazilian Cultural Centre in Lebanon is a cultural institution of the Brazilian government. It was founded in 2011 and operates under the Brazilian embassy in Beirut as part of the cultural sector. The office is located at Mar Mitr street, in Achrafieh.
*Translated by Sérgio Kakitani
