Children, parents and friends clasped hands as they spun in a large circle outside the Agricultural Hall, laughing as they try to keep up with the dance instructions called out over the music.
The dancers were taking part in a quadrilha, a group dance popular in Brazil, one of many activities on offer at the Island’s first Brazil Fest this Sunday. The event was created by the Building Bridges Coalition and Martha’s Vineyard Mediation Program to celebrate Brazilian culture and connect Island residents with important resources.
Hundreds of people attended the event throughout the afternoon, with children competing in three-legged races and pinning tails on an illustrated donkey draped in a Brazilian flag, while older attendees visited tables highlighting the work of local organizations.
“It’s a beautiful day to be outside and support the community,” said Janis Smith-Gomez. “I’ve been on the Island a long time and I was curious because it is the first ever event of its type. I mean, Brazilian rock and roll from the 80s, how can you beat that?”
Os Naftalinas, the band playing the music Ms. Smith-Gomez so enjoyed, was one of many musical acts throughout the day. The band put up a cardboard sign in front of their tent with a list of organizations helping to provide relief to Brazilians impacted by the devastating floods that hit the country throughout April and May.
Emily Santana, an interpreter with the Community Ambassador Partnership of Martha’s Vineyard, spoke to visitors about the interpretation and translation services the organization provides, including medical interpreting.
According to Ms. Santana, the partnership also helped some of the other organizations tabling to translate their printed materials.
“We want the Brazilian community to be aware of all the organizations and resources the Island has for everybody,” Ms. Santana said.
Lenore Maniaci works for Dukes County Health Care Access and let people know that the organization has a full-time staff of Brazilian Portuguese speakers who can help them access health insurance and other benefits. She said she began studying Brazilian Portuguese while working for the Cambridge Health Alliance, and also studied public health in Brazil.
“I was so excited when I first saw the posters [for the event],” Ms. Maniaci said. “I hope that this event continues to grow and draws people in to celebrate together and to appreciate all of the different elements of the culture.”
Inside the Agricultural Hall, a series of photographs by Márcia De Castro Borges were on sale. Sixty per cent of the proceeds will go towards relief efforts in Brazil.
The photographs captured the process of making cassava flour in Santa Catarina, the state that neighbors Rio Grande do Sul, where the floods hit last month. The method of flour making depicted in her work has been recognized as an important part of culture heritage in Florianópolis, the capital of Santa Catarina.
Outside the hall, the party continued as the Lucas Ostinato Trio took the stage and Cicilio Rosa Neto arrived with his famed ox Chilmark.
Pricila Vilaça, one of the festival organizers, looked over the scene with pride.
“The turn out is amazing and I can’t wait for next year,” Ms. Vilaça said. “I already cried so much today and I’ll cry again because I’m so happy...I want to bring people together, I want to share resources and meet people where they are.”
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