The rhythm of Rio… in Roscommon

The rhythm of Rio… in Roscommon

 

By a special correspondent

 

The rhythm of Rio rang loud and proud across the rolling countryside of Roscommon last Saturday, when members of the Brazilian community transformed Kilbride Community Centre into a vibrant hub of pride for a Brazilian Day bash.

Roscommon’s second annual Brazilian Day was an opportunity for Brazilians to commemorate their Independence Day – it was also a day of togetherness, when locals, Brazilians and other nationalities explored Brazil in a hands-on way.

Everywhere, green and yellow caught the eye. The large turnout soaked up the atmosphere and the musical lilt of Portuguese chatter between the 50 vendors and exhibitors that set up shop, while the air filled with Brazil’s culinary classics.

From the smoky, charred scent of churrasco to crunchy savoury snacks like coxinhas and churros, it was a feast for the senses – and the enthusiastic gastronomic exchanges between spectators and Brazilian cooks underscored that the occasion was not just about entertainment.

“People are coming together on the same wavelength with joy and celebration to share their stories, talents, traditions and skills,” said the day’s chief organiser, Brazilian woman Catia Da Nova.

Catia settled in Roscommon in 2001 and works with the South Roscommon Family Resource Centre.

“It’s an opportunity for Brazilians to make cultural connections with their Irish neighbours,” she said.

Catia praised the team of community volunteers, whose tireless efforts in the build-up to the day’s success created opportunities for people to deepen their understanding of a culture that might otherwise seem distant or unfamiliar.

And it was outside on the sports grounds, in typical Brazilian passion, joy and a touch of art that the day’s celebrations kicked off with a mini-tournament known as ‘jogo bonito’ – the expression meaning ‘beautiful game’ in Portuguese.

Undeterred by the rainy morning, wannabe soccer stars revelled in the dream, even just for a few moments, that they were the new Pelé, Romário or Ronaldo.

Music kept the carnival energy continuous, with a mix of Brazilian, African and European influences – unique regional genres that ranged from classic samba to contemporary Brazilian pop and forró, a rhythmic dance music from Brazil’s northeast.

For some, it was their first encounter with authentic Brazilian culture – and it was the more nimble individuals present on the day that provided one of the top highlights: capoeira, a blend of martial arts and dance.

As spectators encircled, almost trance-like in wonder, the group of capoeira acrobats began swinging low, left to right in synchronicity, starting their demonstration with a move known as the ‘ginga’.

Then, to the sound of clapping, singing and drumming, led by musicians and spectators alike, the acrobats stepped into the middle in pairs and wowed all watching with fluid, dance-like movements and dynamic flips, cartwheels, handstands and spins.

The day was also a chance for Brazilians far from home to reflect on their heritage and journeys in ways that go beyond the flashy Copacabana carnival imagery often associated with their country.

Many Brazilian immigrants living in Roscommon are entrepreneurs. And that’s no coincidence – from overcoming barriers to identifying unique opportunities, the day showcased many creative and resilient business minds.

Brazilian-born singer/songwriter Bianca Fachel has been a versatile force in music and entrepreneurship since moving to Roscommon 15 years ago.

Her Birdland Music business is a unique production and recording studio located in the peaceful countryside village of Knockcroghery, where she helps music artists at all levels, from beginners to advanced.

As a passionate educator and tutor, Bianca also shares her expertise through workshops she runs across the country.

She spoke of the challenges she faced and the important role that the day played in helping recent immigrants to integrate into their new surroundings.

“When I first arrived in Ireland, it took me a while to learn how things worked,” she said.

“It’s great to see the many support services stalls here today, where immigration experts are on hand to advise Brazilian families.

“It’s good that people take care of each other,” said Bianca.

Architectural technician Thynara Ferreira moved to Roscommon with her parents and grandparents in 2006.

Although she was very young at the time, she remembers the challenges her family faced when settling in a new country – the cultural shifts, the longing for home, but mainly the language barriers.

“My first experience of hearing the English language was like listening to a swarm of buzzing bees,” she recalled.

Thynara said that she adapted quickly and picked up the language. For older generations, it can be more challenging.

“My grandmother, who still has no English, always manages to get all her shopping at the supermarket, despite not understanding the language and having to rely on gestures, because there’s always a friendly shopper who will help,” explained Thynara.

For Thynara and her family, belonging to a close-knit community is important.

There has been a substantial evolution in the type of work being undertaken since Brazilians arrived in the 1990s, when they were working predominantly in Irish meat processing plants and on construction sites.

Camargo Silva has been living in Roscommon with his family for 23 years. He has moved on from his days working in the meat factories and now owns a specialised international money transfer company.

He said that the Brazilian community in Roscommon had experienced significant growth in recent years, with many families relocating to smaller towns in search of a quieter lifestyle.

“Everyone knows me, so it’s nice to never feel like a stranger,” he said. “I think most people understand that the Brazilian community in Roscommon has integrated very well.”

And as the celebrations wound down, Kilbride Community Centre had become a small part of Brazil, if only for the day – a testament to the rich Brazilian culture and the welcoming spirit of Roscommon.

■ Brazilian Day is a community-led initiative, initially established in collaboration with the Brazilian Embassy and now coordinated by members of the local Brazilian community and advocates in Roscommon. The initiative is supported and funded by local government and businesses, including the South Roscommon Family Resource Centre, Roscommon County Council, Roscommon LEADER Partnership, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Roscommon Town Team, KEPAK, and Conor Cassidy Cars.