S\u00e3o Paulo \u2013 Dance and music performances, workshops, lectures and a fair of typical Arab goods will be available to visitors at the 23rd Persian Market \u2013 International Arab Music, Dance and Culture Congress, slated for April 21 to 23 in S\u00e3o Paulo. Some 8,000 people are expected to attend. What started out as a celebration for Arab dance practitioners grew into a landmark event that brings world-class starts to Brazil every year.<\/p>\n
As she worked out the last details for the 2017 edition, organizer Shalimar Mattar spoke with ANBA. She is the daughter of the event\u2019s creator, the dancer Samira Samia, one of the Arab dance pioneers in Brazil. \u201cSince 1995 we have organized the event every year,\u201d says Mattar. \u201cThe first edition had 300 visitors. This year we hope to match last year\u2019s result, with 8,000 visitors over three days of Mercado Persa.\u201d<\/p>\n
Attractions will be plenty. The event will span an entire floor of the WTC Events Center, in south side S\u00e3o Paulo. At once, four stages will feature dance performances, workshops, lectures, outfit parades and assorted contests, while an Eastern-style fair featuring 60 exhibitors will offer typical items \u2013 costume jewelry, accessories, CDs and DVDs, shishas, books, etc.<\/p>\n
International exhibitors are also expected: \u201cEvery year we have a Moroccan artist who makes art using Arabic calligraphy. This year we are also expecting Egyptian exhibitors who\u2019ll bring local products. At any rate, most of the products sold are from Arab countries,\u201d explains Mattar.<\/p>\n
Mostly focusing on dance and Arab music, the workshops will also be taught by foreign artists: a Syrian violinist has said he will attend, as well as a Russian doumbek player and a Ukrainian ballerina. \u201cThe Russians are on the rise in Arab dance,\u201d explains the organizers, highlighting also the presence of a Brazilian ballerina that has been working for years in Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
There will also be free lectures on topics such as healthcare, beauty and dances, among others. Mattar mentions also social projects, such as one focusing on breast cancer patients that use dance as a recovery tool.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be a lot of art, dance, many things happening all at once,\u201d says the organizer. \u201cWe have tours coming from throughout the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tickets are already on sale on the website www.mercadopersa.com.br, with prices ranging from BRL 65 (USD 20.54) to BRL 130 (USD 41.08) \u2013 the cheapest one, half-price, is for children up to 12 years old, elderlies over 60 years old, and students of Arab dances. Some workshops will be charged separately, but all lectures are free of charge for ticket holders. Tickets for Friday and Saturday night concerts are also sold separately.<\/p>\n
Shalimar Mattar will also launch her book \u201cC\u00edrculo Mulher\u201d during the event with a book signing.
\n<b>Quick facts<\/b>
\nMercado Persa \u2013 International Arab Dance, Art and Culture Congress
\nFrom April 21 to 23, 2017
\nWTC Events Center, Av. das Na\u00e7\u00f5es Unidas, 12.551 \u2013 S\u00e3o Paulo-SP
\nTickets: BRL 65 (half-price), BRL 120 (full). Workshops and presentations are charged separately.
\nInformation:
\nWebsite:\u00a0http:\/\/www.mercadopersa.com.br
\nPhone: 55 (11) 5041-6103<\/p>\n
<b>*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum and S\u00e9rgio Kakitani<\/b><\/p>\n
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