Philadelphia’s First Annual Brazilian Cultural Weekend, August 28-30
August 18, 2009
Come out to celebrate Brazil’s Independence Day from August 28-30 as part of Philadelphia’s first annual Brazilian Cultural Weekend, which will take place in the South Street Headhouse District in Philadelphia. All weekend long, you will have a chance to learn samba moves, sample authentic Brazilian food and drinks, watch various music and dance performances, and much more, so mark your calendars now because you won’t want to miss this weekend!
From Brazil to Philly
The South Street Headhouse District hosts the first annual Brazilian Cultural Weekend, bringing the trends and tastes from the South American country to Philly
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of New York’s Brazil Day: the largest festival celebrating Brazil’s Independence Day (September 7). The festival, which started out small, is now the largest in the country, attracting over 1.5 million people. This summer, Philadelphia would like to honor Dia da Independencia by hosting the first Brazilian Cultural Weekend in the South Street Headhouse District.
August 28 through August 30: a host of Brazilian themed activities will be taking place throughout the South Street Headhouse District, Philadelphia’s premier entertainment district.
The weekend will kick off on Friday, August 28 as a part of The District’s 4th Friday Series, with a Dancing Happy Hour from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm, under the Historic Shambles, where you can learn to shake your groove to some samba moves, courtesy of Society Hill Dance Academy. After sweating to samba, stay under the Shambles and cool off with some free Brazilian themed drinks. These themed drinks will continue to be served throughout the weekend at participating bars and restaurants surrounding the district. While sipping on drinks, enjoy a showing ofMandinga em Manhattan, a documentary by Lazaro Faria about the Brazilian art of Capoeira, under the Shambles, starting at 8:00pm.
Drinks and dancing continue into the weekend with Brazilian music and samba dance performances on Saturday, August 29. At 12:30 on 2ndand South Streets, join Angelica Cassimiro, professional samba dancer, for live samba performances as well as free samba lessons. Following Angelica will be Xande Cruz, a native Brazilian percussionist, singer and songwriter. Born and raised in San Paulo, Cruz describes his music as a “mix of colors, feelings, scenarios, and styles; it’s positive; something refreshing…“ Cruz and his band will be performing Brazilian rhythms such as Samba, Maracatu and Baiao, where several different types of drums are played to create what Cruz describes as a “rhythmically soulful sound,” from 2pm to 5pm, on 2nd and Lombard Streets.
After experiencing the sounds of Brazil, take in the visual beauty of Capoeira: the ancient Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, games, music, and dance. The Philadelphia chapter of the American Society of Capoeira and Arts from Brazil (ASCAB) will be holding live demonstrations at the Passyunk Square (Passyunk and South Streets) from 3:30pm – 4:30pm.
What is culture without art and fashion? Beginning Saturday afternoon, Brazilian fashion designer, Priscilla Costa, who has worked with high end boutiques like Joan Shepp and Petulia’s Folly, will be showcasing her work at 602 S. 2nd Street. An elaborate Brazilian wedding gown, made using Brazilian design techniques, is just one of the many designs Costa will be displaying. Joining her will be renown artists whose work is displayed at Vivant Art Collection of Old City, which recently exhibited Faces of Brazil. Additionally, Brazilian rooted Andrea Pippins, founder of the popular blog, Fly (www.flygirls.typepad.com) will be present to interview the hands behind the artistic pieces. For up-to-date coverage on the Brazilian cultural weekend, tune in to her blog.
What better way to spend the weekend than at a free, educational and fun, cultural event! Bring the family and kids (did we mention free face-painting?), friends and out-of-towners, for a weekend you won’t want to miss!
For more information, please visit www.southstreet.com or call 215.625.7988.
[...] Brazillian Cultural Weekend and that there will be events on South Street on Saturday and Sunday. Deets can be found here. Have a good one! bianca | Aug 29 2009 12:34pm | Uncategorized, grasshopper, [...]