To spread the Portuguese language and enhance the cultural connection between Shanghai and Brazil, the Dia Mundial da Língua Portuguesa ("World Portuguese Language Day") celebration recently began in Yangpu. This collaborative initiative was brought to life by the Consulate General of Brazil Shanghai, the Conselho de Cidadãos (Brazilian Citizens' Council), and the Brazil Center.

This cultural feast, the second China-Brazil sci-tech and cultural exchange event hosted by the Brazil Center this year, drew over 70 participants. The event brought together Brazilians residing in Shanghai for work, study, or personal life, teachers and students from Portuguese language programs at Shanghai's universities, and representatives from media outlets in both Brazil and China.

Flavors and Cultures: Unlocking the Door to Connection

Prior to the event, the Consulate General of Brazil Shanghai laid out a spread of authentic Brazilian dishes and beverages, inviting everyone on a delightful culinary adventure. Portuguese majors at the event shared that they had only encountered the names of these Brazilian delicacies in their textbooks. "Today, we finally got to savor the real thing!" Through this immersive experience of Brazilian cuisine, the bond between Chinese and Brazilian friends was instantly strengthened.

Paulo Henrique Cavalcante, Head of Public Diplomacy efforts at the Consulate General of Brazil Shanghai, warmly welcomed and blessed the gathering. His speech, themed around the "World Portuguese Language Day", delved into his personal journey of learning Portuguese in his early years and spotlighted notable works from Brazilian literary icons.

In the interactive session, participants exchanged their favorite Portuguese words. One person picked "jabuticaba", a term that brought back fond childhood memories. Another used "saudade" to convey the bittersweet feeling of homesickness while far away from home. These sincere expressions and personal stories struck a chord with everyone in the room. One participant raised a glass with "Saúde" to celebrate China-Brazil collaboration. The highlight came when 6-year-old Luísa, a Brazilian girl fluent in Portuguese, Chinese, and English, shared the word "Amor", which earned her a round of heartfelt applause.

Advancing China-Brazil Cultural Exchange

During the video address, Prof. Beatriz Miranda Côrtes, President of the Instituto de Cultura Brasil-Colômbia (IBRACO), conveyed her deep affection for Portuguese and reminisced about her April visit to the Brazil Center. She revealed that the institute is set to partner with the Brazil Center to create a Portuguese language teaching and examination certification hub right here in Yangpu.

The event showcased a captivating video recitation of poems by a celebrated Brazilian poet, immersing the audience in the distinctive cadence of Portuguese verse. The performance was then elevated by a live set from Brazilian musicians, which electrified the atmosphere. The infectious South American beats had everyone dancing, perfectly encapsulating the vibrant spirit and zest of Brazilian culture.

To cap off the event, the Consulate General of Brazil Shanghai hosted a literary raffle. The prizes featured collections of short stories from both China and Brazil, along with Chinese translations of celebrated Brazilian literary works. A thrilled winner said, "These books are more than just literary treasures - they're a gateway to Brazilian culture."

The event drew to a close on a high note. A representative from the Consulate General of Brazil Shanghai emphasized that moving forward, they will partner with the Brazil Center to host an even more diverse array of cultural exchange activities. These efforts aim to deepen the cultural connections between the two countries and bolster the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil.

The "World Portuguese Language Day" falls on May 5. Launched by UNESCO in 2019, this day is dedicated to celebrating and fostering the cultural and linguistic richness of Portuguese-speaking countries. It also seeks to enhance cooperation and expand the global presence of the Portuguese language. As a language spoken by over 265 million people, Portuguese ranks among the world's most widely spoken languages and holds the distinction of being the most spoken language in the Southern Hemisphere.