Vibrant Brazilian dance rhythms will transport revelers from South Bend to the streets of Rio de Janeiro during the University of Notre Dame’s 12th annual celebration of Brazilian Carnaval, to be held Feb. 12 (Friday) from 8 p.m. to midnight in Notre Dame’s South Dining Hall. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
The Brazilian celebration of Mardi Gras, Carnaval will feature professional Brazilian dancers performing and teaching dance steps to the authentic axe and samba music of Chicago Samba. Directed by Moacyr Marchini, Chicago Samba features Brazilian musicians who have performed together for almost 20 years.
Carnaval participants include students, area residents, members of the local Brazilian community, and lots of kids. All don their Carnaval beads and dance the night away.
“Carnaval brings everyone together in an event that is different from anything else in South Bend,” says Tatiana Spragins, a Brazilian who is president of the Portuguese Language Club. “It gives the vibe of Brazilian culture and the fun is contagious.”
Brazil Club president Valerie Kornfield, who grew up in Brazil, agrees.
“Carnaval shows Brazil’s love of music and dancing and the joy that characterizes Brazilians,” she says. “It is a great party, my favorite event of the year.”
Carnaval is sponsored by Notre Dame’s Kellogg Institute for International Studies, which brings together scholars, students and policymakers to study important international problems facing humanity.
Co-sponsors include the Latin American Studies Program, the Institute for Latino Studies, Catering by Design, the Brazil Club, the Portuguese Language Club, the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures, and the Department of Transportation Services at Notre Dame; WVPE Radio, Microtel Inn and Suites, and AudioBahn Productions, LLC.
Contacts: Elizabeth Rankin, Kellogg Institute, 574-631-9184, erankin3@nd.edu; or Therese Hanlon, Kellogg Institute, 574-631-4150, Therese.Hanlon@nd.edu