Last Wednesday, colors yellow, green and blue took over the school. Food, dance, and music filled the atrium as students gathered to celebrate the Brazilian Carnaval. Carnaval is also known as Mardi Gras, which is associated with the Catholic Ash Wednesday. However, it is also a way for the Brazilian community to celebrate their own culture by getting together and dancing, dressing up and savoring delicious traditional plates. 

The event featured cheerful  performances by Samba dancers, who wore typical carnival costumes. They engaged students in the show by inviting them to join in and dance with them. 

Capoeira dancers introduced their martial art-like dance to the audience.

The dances were accompanied by live music.

“It was really nice having the Carnaval celebration here, since I haven’t been able to go physically to Brazil when the celebration occurs. It was really cool to see the different things that usually happen like the Capoeira and the Sambistas,” said sophomore Sofia Molinari, who hasn’t been able to go to Brazil due to Covid-19.

In addition to the dances, there was face paint so everyone could get into Brazilian spirit, and Parent volunteers provided typical Brazilian savory and sweet treats. Brazilian churrasco catering served different types of traditional Brazilian steaks eaten in the country. 

“Our specialty is Churrasco. We make Churrasco because it is a traditional Gaucho dish in the South of Brazil. Brazilians love to eat it. I love doing this,” said Marcos Azevedo, the owner of Churrasco Brazil. 

Students loved the event. The carnival made Brazilian students feel like they were at “home far from home”. 

“I really like the Carnaval because, since I’m not in Brazil, I get to experience it at our school,” sophomore Eduardo Kingston said.

The Carnival came into campus with the help of the Portuguese Club, teachers and parent volunteers.

“As a Brazilian, I think that Gulliver is our home far from home. [Portuguese] is the third language spoken at school and we have to celebrate big! We are very happy with the support [from] all the departments, all the teachers, and all the students,” said Marisella Trius, organizer from the Parents’ Association.