Vibrant Brazilian dance rhythms will transport revelers from South Bend to the streets of Rio de Janeiro during the University of Notre Dame’s 13th annual celebration of Brazilian Carnaval, to be held March 4 (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 more than 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 is a great opportunity for the community to join students in celebration of Brazilian culture,” says Gabriela Austgen, vice president of Notre Dame’s Brazil Club.
“The Kellogg Institute brings traditional Brazilian music and dance right onto Notre Dame’s campus, allowing us to participate in the true experience of Carnaval.”
Chelsea Schmitt, an international student from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the event planner for the Brazil Club, agrees. “The rhythmic music, the intricate costumes, and the large quantity of people create an unforgettable atmosphere,” she says.
Carnaval is sponsored by Notre Dame’s Kellogg Institute for International Studies, which focuses its research and teaching on two topics critical to contemporary societies around the world—democracy and human development.
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, RecSports, and the Department of Transportation Services at the University of Notre Dame; WVPE Radio 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