'Keep the culture alive' - Brazilian festival to take place in Laois this weekend

A carnival of sights, sounds and tastes will light up the centre of Portlaoise this weekend, when Festa Junina, a celebration of Brazilian culture and cuisine, comes to town.

The Festa Junina is a traditional Brazilian event taking place in June and July, which are winter months in Brazil. Based around the harvest time, especially the harvesting of corn, it involves a party in which everyone dresses up as farmers by wearing chequered clothes or painting freckles on their faces.

“The Laois Brazilian Support Association (LABRAS) was established five years, and our first event was Festa Junina. If we are raising our children here, we want to keep the culture alive,” says Patricia Diotto, a LABRAS committee member.

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She explains that a square dance is typically organised for families, with food stalls boasting an array of sweet and savoury dishes made from corn recipes.

“Because it’s winter in Brazil, we would have bonfires as well. There are games, such as fishing for prizes or ring tossing, but also games for adults, such as a stall where people can send a love message to someone they like,” she says.

As most Brazilians who have settled in Ireland really miss this national festival, LABRAS has been arranging one in Laois for the past few years, with this year’s being the fifth and biggest one yet.

“Up to now, we did it indoors and it was more focused on the Brazilian community on a much smaller scale, but this year we’re bringing it outdoors and we’re hoping to integrate with the local community, so everyone is welcome,” says Patricia. “It’s great that we have this integration between our traditions and the local culture.”

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Organised by LABRAS, Brazil-Ireland Chamber of Commerce, Laois Partnership Company and Laois Volunteer Centre, the Festa Junina takes place this Saturday, July 19, in the Old Fort Quarter in Portlaoise.

This is a free event to which everyone of all ages is welcome, with raffles, food and music all on the agenda. A traditional Brazilian band will be playing, while for the children, there will be face painting and games. Besides delicacies made from corn, the food stalls will also be serving such culinary treats as rice pudding, truffles, barbecue skewers, and hotdogs.

The fun kicks off at 2pm in the Old Fort Quarter, with the band striking up from 2.30pm, so come along to experience a mix of Brazilian culture and Laois community spirit.