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Special to The Advocate
The City of Everett held its flag raising and celebration of Brazil’s 200th year of independence on the corner of Church Street and Broadway at Everett City Hall. The event was a tremendous success and allowed for community members of all cultures and backgrounds to come together to learn more and celebrate Everett’s Brazilian community.
Brazil proclaimed its independence from the former United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves on September 7, 1822. The country of Brazil, which is the largest and most populous in South America, was under Portuguese rule for more than 300 years until it gained its independence and was proclaimed a republic in 1889.
The emcee for the event was the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the City of Everett, Cathy Draine. “We are fortunate as a City to have a large Brazilian community comprised of residents who have chosen to make their lives here,” said Draine. “Everett is enriched by these community members who share with us their culture, their history and their commitment to helping us realize an ‘Everett For Everyone.’”
After the opening address, there were remarks from Brazilian Women’s Group Cofounder/Executive Director Heloisa Maria Galvão, Ambassador Benedicto Fonseca Filho from the Consulate of Brazil in Boston, State Representative Joe McGonagle and Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins. The City presented the Ambassador a proclamation for all the work he has done on behalf of Mayor Carlo DeMaria. The Brazilian national anthem was performed by Natalia Hubner while the flag was raised to fly high at City Hall.
After the remarks, attendees were treated to plenty of Brazilian food from local Everett restaurants Chriscilla’s, Oliveira’s, Yasai Bowl and Bakes & Cakes. There were also live performances for attendees to dance, sing and listen to. Grooversity got the audience singing and dancing to the sound of their drums and catchy songs that are easy to follow along to for all. David Ramos performed forró music, which is a genre that originated in Brazil. It has simple and catchy rhythms that combines elements of salsa, tango and samba. Mestre Chuvisco gave a performance and demonstration of capoeira, which is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, dance and acrobatics.
Mayor DeMaria would like to thank everyone who attended and the participants who were able to make this a successful event. All the other event participants that contributed were the Joint Committee for Children’s Healthcare in Everett (JCCHCE), For Kids Only Afterschool, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), Eliot’s Family Resource Center (FRC) and the Brazilian Times newspaper.
