New Hastings festival this weekend to celebrate Brazil's culture

Visitors and residents will have the opportunity to celebrate the culture of Brazil as the first ever festival highlighting the country's rich heritage is held this weekend.
Gladyslatinart. Picture courtesy of Leila NewmanGladyslatinart. Picture courtesy of Leila Newman
Gladyslatinart. Picture courtesy of Leila Newman

The charity, OcabrazOka, is hosting BrasilFest on the Stade Open Space on Saturday (June 10), featuring arts and crafts, drumming and workshops, as well as other live entertainment, which all kicks off at 2pm.

Visitors will be able to make their own precussion instrument and costumes.

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Leila Newman, chairman of the charity OcaBrazOka, said: “OcaBrazOka was set up as a charity to celebrate and promote Brazil and its cultural and linguistic traditions by a group of Brazilians here in Hastings and St Leonards.

“The name OcaBrazOka was inspired by the Oca, the communal house built by the indigenous people of Brazil.

“We are glad to be part of Stade Saturdays. The main aim of Hastings BrasilFest is to show and bring different cultures from different parts of Brazil.

“Brazil is not only samba and football. There is a rich culture, as every state of Brazil has its own traditions, dance and music. We would like to show some of these different culture.

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“The workshops will enable people to learn about Brazilian culture by making objects and costumes, such as the beautiful headdresses Indians wear, which they will be able to use in the performances later.

“There will also be a taste of capoeira, the distinctive mix of dance and martial art.

“And then listen to amazing jazz Brazilian musicians Marcelo Andrade and Adriano Adewale - and enjoy dances, such as the less well-known (in the UK at least) Maracatu, Maculele, Gafieira and Frevo (umbrella dance), performed by Gladyslatinart, with interludes from the Brazilian Tina Turner, Elisangela Mahogany, rounded off by the Dende drumming group.

“The afternoon will close with a Togetherness Festa from 6pm to 7pm in which everyone can participate. BrazilFest then continues with a film festival at the Electric Palace from 7pm until 10pm, showcasing the work of local filmmaker, Mauricio Vincenzi.

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“Junior’s Brazilian Café will be open all day on The Stade for authentic cuisine.”

OcabrazOka was set up in January. For more information visit www.ocabrazoka.org.

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