South America's Cultural Melting Pot Celebrated at BrasilFest

Follow the drumbeats to Seattle Center Festál: BrasilFest, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 20 in Seattle Center Armory, Mural Amphitheatre and Fisher Roof. The festival celebrates Brazil's African, Portuguese and indigenous roots with classical guitar, samba rhythms and the percussive beats of traditional folk music. Brazilian immigrants brought this high energy event to Seattle 19 years ago with a mission of introducing the broader community to their arts and traditions at the time of Brazilian Folklore Day.

In 2017, BrasilFest features Maranhão, a northeastern state of Brazil. A traditional dance presentation from that region, called "Bumba-meu-boi," uses costumes and drumming to tell the tale of a dying bull mystically brought back to life, 4 p.m. at the Mural Amphitheatre. Other Mural performances include Batucada Yemanjá, Onda Verde, Tambor e Cordas, Dance Brazil and The Cuban Heels, culminating in the lively and colorful Show Brazil at 6 p.m. and a jam percussion and parade from Mural Amphitheatre to the roof of Fisher Pavilion at 7 p.m.

Festival workshops give participants a glimpse into the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, Brazilian dance and Samba-Reggae dance, 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. on Seattle Center Armory Stage. Younger festival-goers will find a range of children's activities, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., and unique items from Brazil will entice shoppers at the Bossa-Nova booth, all in the Armory. Outside, food vendors will prepare several traditional Brazilian dishes for purchase.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on BrasilFest, visit www.brasilfest.com, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com/festal or call 206-684-7200.

About Seattle Center Festál

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, The Boeing Company, NW Folklife, 4Culture and ArtsWA. Additional support is provided by the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.