PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Whether it was the sound of the drums, the smell of the food or an existing love for the culture, the Brazilian Day festival drew people from all backgrounds to Spruce Street Harbor Park.
Organizers said the event was designed to welcome everyone.
“It’s not just for Brazilians. It’s for all races. You can be Chinese, Greek, whatever, coming through this, you’re gonna get out there happy,” said Adenilson Dos Santos, executive director of Project Capoeira, the group that organizes the event.
The festival started back in 2014, and organizers say it continues to grow every year.
“I mean, the culture’s fabulous, the movement is fabulous, and it’s good to see all these people come out and be happy. We need happy,” said Lindy Barocchi of Center City.
Traditional samba bands and authentic food vendors showcased Brazil’s vibrant arts and traditions, giving Philadelphians a flavor of the country’s unique cultural identity.
“As an adult, I just believe that we should take the opportunity to learn more about other cultures,” said Adaya Head of University City.
For Brazilian native Luana Sacay, who has made Philadelphia a temporary home while studying at Temple University, the festival offered a taste of home.
“When we have this opportunity to kind of see our culture here, it feels so welcoming and heartwarming. I just like miss my country, but it’s good to have a little bit of here,” Sacay said.
The festival was also a reminder of the Brazilian energy that filled Philadelphia earlier this summer when the country’s soccer team played in the city during the World Cup.
“It was insane, and I’m glad that we kept showing our culture here, and it’s so nice because Brazilians we are so diverse, so we also like to welcome people from all over the place,” Sacay said.
The event also serves as an early celebration of Brazil’s national Independence Day, which is on Monday.
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