As a nation with a long and complex history of indigenous heritage, colonization, immigration, and cultural syncretism, Brazil has a rich and diverse cultural environment. While this environment can vary significantly depending on the region of the country, one characteristic that fundamentally defines Brazil’s culture is the mixture of heritages and traditions from all around the world: influences from South American, European, African, and Asian heritages blend together to create Brazil’s unique culture. In Rio, I have become especially attuned to the strong historical influence of African diasporas on Brazilian culture as a result of my work at UERJ.
My experience of community here has been more nuanced than I expected, and this has definitely changed the way I understand the concept of community. In a way, I am returning to the communities I thought I had left when I moved to the US, and realizing that my sense of connection to these groups remains strong despite the time and distance. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to engage with new communities I was not previously a part of despite being from here, such as the tight-knit group of students at UERJ, which has allowed me to see new parts of a place I already knew. This experience, with its new and old connections, has taught me that a community is not always dependent on geographic location or routine, but relies significantly on the lasting impact it has on its members. I have come to realize that it is not only the concrete, external accomplishments that make the concept of “community” so special, but the power of the connections it fosters to shape its members, their relationships, and identities.
The picture I included above is of a Festa Junina, a traditional Brazilian celebration of St. John. This event took place at the school I attended for much of my childhood, which continues to attract hundreds of attendees every year for over 50 years (current and former students, parents, families, teachers, employees, and friends). The event features a final “former student dance” that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate the school’s impact on them, exemplifying the importance of long-lasting connection in community I mentioned.
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