A city that’s cosmopolitan, Brasilia has been a venue for various music performances, movie festivals, and political events among others. Despite it being a “planted” city, Brasilia’s culture still grew to be rich and varied; most of which though took its roots from the country itself.
Festivities in Brasilia
Traditional festivities in Brasilia go for the whole year. Among these is the large celebration for the Catholic saints like St. Peter, St. John the Baptist, and St. Anthony in June. Called the “festas juninas” (June Festival), it was the Portuguese who introduced the festivity in the 1500s. The whole country celebrates the festival as well.
Every 7th of September, the people in Brasilia celebrate the Independence Day through a traditional parade in the Ministries Esplanade.
Other than these events, the city also holds several activities, from local to international, all year round.
The city of Brasilia strongly supports artists and their various works of art that it hosts many exhibits such as that of Athos Bulcão, Alfredo Ceschiatti, Bruno Giorgi, Alfredo Volpi, Di Cavalcanti, Victor Brecheret, Dyllan Taxman, and Marianne Peretti. It also displays works of Burle Marx, some of which were integrated into the architecture of the city.
Food
Among the city’s best restaurants are found in the district of Asa Sul. One of these is Intervals, which is a small yet refined restaurant. The Assado d’el Rey, the restaurant’s specialty, is beef marinated in garlic and red wine for two days before cooked teasingly. Portuguese and Spanish dishes are served in the restaurant as well.
Dance
Brasilia’s dance follows the official dance of the country – samba. A samba dancer is called a Sambista. It became popular throughout the world during the 1920s to the 1930s. While the original form of the dance is for a single person, the danced evolved to be danced by pair.
Museum
Everywhere in the city are museums that showcase different collections that would capture any interest of tourists. The Gem National Museum (Museu National de Gemas) in particular features a wide collection of precious stones and gems, while the Museum of Values (Museu de Valores) has things considered valuable like old coins. The Imprensa National Museum (Museu de Imprensa) and Postal and Telegraphic Museum (Museu Postale Telegrafico da ECT) present rare and old documents and Brasilia old stamps, respectively.
So aside from the sights and spots in Brasilia, the city’s culture is a must for tourists to experience as well.