FESTA JUNINA
A Brazilian Heritage Tradition in the UK
Documentary
FESTA JUNINA
FESTA JUNINA
A Brazilian Heritage Tradition in the UK
“Festa Junina: A Brazilian Heritage Tradition in the UK” is a vibrant project that celebrates the rich cultural traditions of the Brazilian Festa Junina festival. Through a series of workshops, a presentation and a film screening, over 300 participants, including 140 children, their families, staff members and the local community, were immersed in learning and experiencing the cultural heritage of this Brazilian festival. The entire process was documented in video format and is now available to reach an even wider audience, continuing to share this important cultural legacy.
Main Activities
History of Festa Junina: Exploring the history and cultural importance of the festival.
Workshops for Children: Teaching children about costumes, food, dances (Quadrilha) and traditions, focusing on Brazil's indigenous, African and European roots.
Workshops for Parents: Parents learned how to sew traditional Festa Junina costumes with the guidance of a professional seamstress.
Museum Engagement: Children explored ancient instruments, clothing and traditions that influenced the Festa Junina.
Celebration of the Festa Junina (July 2024): Open to the public, with dance performances, food tasting and exhibition of work done by children.
Thematic Focus
The project was centered on four main themes:
Storytelling: Quadrilha dance and drama workshops based on Brazilian folklore.
Dance: Workshops on traditional dances such as Cirandas and Pau de Fita.
Clothing: Design and sewing workshops to create traditional festival costumes.
Food: Learning and tasting traditional foods from the June Festival.
Idealization
This project was created and delivered by Clube dos Brasileirinhos, a Brazilian Heritage and Culture Centre located in the London borough of Brent, home to the largest Brazilian community in the UK. Working in the community for over 16 years, Clube dos Brasileirinhos has taught Brazilian Portuguese as a Language of Brazilian Heritage and Culture to over 600 children. The project was created in response to the loss of connection Brazilians in the UK have with their cultural roots and families in Brazil. Our initiative provides an opportunity to reconnect Brazilians in the UK with the culture, traditions and history of their families. Understanding and experiencing one’s own cultural heritage is essential to fostering integration, both in terms of recognition and acceptance within British culture and history.
Idealization
%20(1)%20(1)_ed.jpg)
Documentary “Festa Junina: A Brazilian Heritage Tradition in the UK” – Premiere at the Brazilian Embassy in London
On November 29, London hosted a very special event: the premiere of the documentary “Festa Junina: A Brazilian Heritage Tradition in the United Kingdom”. The event, held at the Brazilian Embassy, brought together an emotional audience, made up of members of the Brazilian community, representatives of the Clube dos Brasileirinhos, Cristiane from the Heritage Fund, among others, who were able to witness this cultural milestone that rediscovers the importance of Festa Junina in Brazil and its vibrant presence in the United Kingdom.
The screening of the documentary was a unique moment of celebration of our culture, highlighting how this tradition remains alive among Brazilians living abroad. Emotion was in the air, reflecting the affection of everyone involved, who, with great effort and dedication, made possible this production that will forever remain in the hearts of those present.
During the event, we also had a short talk with the main people responsible for creating the documentary. Silvia Fermo, the project director, shared a little about the production process, while Jéssika Rabello, researcher and pedagogical coordinator, spoke about the importance of preserving and promoting Brazilian traditions abroad. Ana Molinari, the project’s creator and coordinator, explained how the idea came about and how it became this beautiful audiovisual work. Gilson Guiomaraes, the film director, commented on the challenges of capturing the essence of Festa Junina in such a special format. The narrator and presenter Sophia Fermo, with her striking voice, brought even more emotion to the narrative, while the musicians Del Feliz and Fabio Carneirinho delighted everyone with their performances, adding a touch of joy and authenticity to the evening.
We are immensely grateful to the Brazilian Embassy in London for the welcoming space, to the Pátria Língua Portuguesa project for the invitation, and to all the participants who contributed to the success of this significant event. The documentary celebrates not only the festival, but also the unity and strength of our culture abroad. May the Festa Junina continue to bring people together, enchant and excite, keeping our tradition alive in the United Kingdom.
Sponsorship
A project sponsored by the Lottery Heritage Fund
