Brazilian Day Los Angeles became one of the most important annual celebrations for the Brazilian community in Southern California. Inspired by the success of Brazilian Day New York, the event brought together thousands of people through music, samba, food, dance, and cultural pride, culminating in a community-led celebration at Samba Redondo in 2015.
By Lindenberg Junior | Translation: Amanda Peter
Celebrate Brazilian culture in LA! Samba, music, and food come alive at Brazilian Day
Every September, Brazilians living outside their homeland celebrate more than just Brazil’s Independence Day—they celebrate their culture, traditions, and identity.
The tradition began with Brazilian Day NYC, created in 1984 by entrepreneur and publisher João De Matos, founder of The Brasilians newspaper. What started as a modest neighborhood block party on West 46th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas in New York City, gradually transformed into one of the world’s largest celebrations of Brazilian culture outside Brazil.
Over the years, the free festival expanded along Sixth Avenue, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors and inspiring similar celebrations across the globe, including in Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, San Francisco, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Celebrating Brazil Around the World
Every year, thousands of Brazilians proudly wear their national soccer jerseys, wave Brazilian flags, paint their faces in green and yellow, and gather to celebrate their country’s independence while living abroad.
For many expatriates, Brazilian Day is more than a festival—it is an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, share Brazilian traditions with new generations, and introduce their culture to local communities.
The Beginning of Brazilian Day in Los Angeles
Brazilian Day became a tradition in Los Angeles beginning in 2007, when the celebration was held at the La Brea Tar Pits, one of the city’s most iconic parks.
The event was organized with the support of Ambassador Thereza Quintella, who served as Brazil’s Consul General in Los Angeles at the time.
During its first four years, the Brazilian Consulate in Los Angeles organized the celebration, helping establish it as one of the most anticipated annual events for Southern California’s Brazilian community.
A New Chapter Led by the Community
In 2011, the responsibility for organizing Brazilian Day shifted to Sambalá Samba School, a nonprofit organization founded by American producer David de Hilster and his Brazilian wife, Doris de Hilster, while continuing to receive supervision from the Brazilian Consulate.
David and Doris successfully organized the festival through 2013, strengthening the event’s reputation and expanding community participation.
Ambassador Thereza Quintella
However, in 2014, Brazilian Day in Los Angeles was postponed due to Brazil’s economic challenges and political decisions, which affected financial support previously provided by the Brazilian Consulate.
How the Community Saved Brazilian Day in 2015
Although official funding was no longer available, members of the Brazilian community refused to let the tradition disappear.
In 2015, a passionate group of volunteers and community leaders joined forces to organize a smaller version of Brazilian Day, ensuring that the celebration would continue.
The event took place at Samba Redondo Restaurant in Redondo Beach, thanks to the efforts of numerous supporters, including:
- Valeria Ruggieri, entrepreneur and former Sambalá Samba School dancer
- Lindenberg Junior, journalist and publisher of Soul Brasil Magazine
- Bakari, artist
- Silvio Correia
- Doug Howarth
- George Moussali
They were joined by talented Brazilian musicians and performers, including Flavio Ribeiro, Reni Flores, Rodney De Assis, Mario Pallais, Alex Lexa, Gio Castilhos, Aninha Malandro, Ana Massete, Gisella Ferreira, Joany Macias, Ilma Wright, Luciene Peck, and many other volunteers who helped transform the dream into reality.
Together, they created what became affectionately known as the “Mini Brazilian Day” in Los Angeles.
A Day Filled with Brazilian Culture
Held on October 11, 2015, the event differed from previous editions, which traditionally took place during September, Brazil’s Independence Month.
Inside Samba Redondo Restaurant, visitors enjoyed:
- Live Brazilian bands
- Traditional dance performances
- Capoeira demonstrations
- Authentic Brazilian feijoada
- Caipirinhas and other Brazilian beverages
Outside, local vendors showcased Brazilian products, artwork, food, and services, while representatives from the Brazilian Consulate participated alongside activities designed especially for children.
The celebration offered something for every member of the family.
More Than a Festival
Brazilian Day in Los Angeles has always represented much more than music and food.
It became a place where Brazilians living abroad could celebrate their identity, preserve their traditions, strengthen friendships, and build a sense of belonging.
Above all, the event reminded everyone that—even thousands of miles from Brazil—the Brazilian community in Los Angeles remained one large family connected by culture, heritage, and shared memories.
Its legacy continues to inspire hopes that future generations will once again gather to celebrate Brazilian Day in Southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Experience the energy and joy of Brazil right here in Los Angeles!
1. What is Brazilian Day in Los Angeles?
Brazilian Day in Los Angeles is an annual cultural celebration inspired by Brazilian Day NYC, bringing together the Brazilian community through music, dance, food, and cultural performances.
2. When did Brazilian Day begin in Los Angeles?
The event began in 2007, initially organized by the Brazilian Consulate in Los Angeles with support from Ambassador Thereza Quintella.
3. Why was Brazilian Day canceled in 2014?
The event was postponed because of Brazil’s economic crisis and political decisions, which resulted in the loss of financial support from the Brazilian government.
4. What happened in 2015?
Community leaders and volunteers organized a smaller version of the celebration at Samba Redondo Restaurant in Redondo Beach, keeping the tradition alive despite limited resources.
5. Why is Brazilian Day important for Brazilians living in the United States?
The event celebrates Brazilian culture, strengthens community ties, promotes cultural exchange, and gives Brazilians living abroad a sense of belonging and connection to their homeland.
