BrasArte Presents:
SF Bay Brazilian Day & Lavagem Festival 2019
SF Bay Brazilian Day & Lavagem Festival 2019
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All photos by Kamau Amen-Ra
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Overview of 2019 Festival:
BrasArte’s Brazilian Day Festival is the crown jewel among numerous annually hosted events. It pays homage to two major celebrations in Brazil – Brazil’s Independence Day and a traditional Lavagem – a spiritual cleansing ceremony dating back to the time in Salvador Bahia when Africans brought to Brazil as slaves were not allowed to attend the Mass, but instead had to wash the steps of the church.The festivities unfold in Berkeley with a procession of devotees dressed in white accompanied by drumming and culminating in a blessing for world peace given by children from the local community. There follows a street party with live music, dance performances, and capoeira. There will be art and craft vendors, international foods to enjoy, a children's village, a beer garden and a caipirinha bar. The festival attracts Brazilians form all over the Bay Area and beyond as well as a diverse crowd who come out to enjoy this unique cultural event
This year's festival will be held in honor of "As grande mulheres da cultura popular Brasileira" Great women of popular Brazilian Culture.
MISSION
The goal of Brazilian Day Festival 2019 is to allow the local Brazilian community celebrate its rich cultural heritage, while at the same time sharing this culture with a diverse local population. Proceeds from the festival will be used to support BrasArte's educational programs for children and adults held throughout the year.
BrasArte’s Brazilian Day Festival is the crown jewel among numerous annually hosted events. It pays homage to two major celebrations in Brazil – Brazil’s Independence Day and a traditional Lavagem – a spiritual cleansing ceremony dating back to the time in Salvador Bahia when Africans brought to Brazil as slaves were not allowed to attend the Mass, but instead had to wash the steps of the church.The festivities unfold in Berkeley with a procession of devotees dressed in white accompanied by drumming and culminating in a blessing for world peace given by children from the local community. There follows a street party with live music, dance performances, and capoeira. There will be art and craft vendors, international foods to enjoy, a children's village, a beer garden and a caipirinha bar. The festival attracts Brazilians form all over the Bay Area and beyond as well as a diverse crowd who come out to enjoy this unique cultural event
This year's festival will be held in honor of "As grande mulheres da cultura popular Brasileira" Great women of popular Brazilian Culture.
MISSION
The goal of Brazilian Day Festival 2019 is to allow the local Brazilian community celebrate its rich cultural heritage, while at the same time sharing this culture with a diverse local population. Proceeds from the festival will be used to support BrasArte's educational programs for children and adults held throughout the year.
For info: brasfestival@gmail.com