About Us
WORKSHOPS
Our workshops are the perfect choice for those who don’t have time for language courses but still want to practice Portuguese, learn about Brazilian culture, or both. Offered at least once every month, these workshops are divided into two categories:
- Conversation practice: Always held in Portuguese, these gatherings provide a space for people at different proficiency levels to practise spoken Brazilian Portuguese. During and after the conversations, language teaching professionals will offer targeted feedback to help develop each participant’s linguistic skills.
- Thematic workshops: Delivered in English and/or French, the thematic workshops are more presentation-based than the conversation practices. These workshops aim to explore key aspects of Brazilian culture from the perspective of those with in-depth knowledge of the country. The invited presenters have proven expertise and lived experience that allow them to speak authoritatively on a range of topics, helping to bring Brazil closer to Canadian and Brazilian communities in Canada.
Would you like to suggest new topics or organize a workshop in partnership with us? Please contact us at cultura@casadaculturadobrasil.com. Our door is always open to great ideas!
FEBRUARY
Behind the Scenes at the Sambadrome: A Glimpse Inside Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival
Have you ever watched a samba school parade at the Sambadrome? What exactly is a samba school, and what does Sambadrome mean? How long does it take to organize such massive parades? How many people take part in each samba school? Where are those decorated floats built, and how do they make their way to the Marquês de Sapucaí? If you have always wanted to experience the Rio de Janeiro Carnival but haven’t yet traveled to Brazil, join us for this workshop and take a behind-the-scenes journey into the heart of one of Brazil’s most iconic celebrations.
In this workshop, we will cover everything you have ever wanted to know about a Carnival parade: how many samba schools participate, the meaning behind their colors and histories, the essential elements of a professional parade, how the parades are judged, and much more. You will also discover some of the most iconic samba songs of the Rio Carnival, learn what a samba-enredo is, and discover how African literature and storytelling have influenced the creation of sambas so far.
- Type: Thematic workshop
- Presenter: Emanuella (Lella) Feix
- Languages: French and English
- Audience: All ages
MARCH
Waters of March and the “Little Pepper” of Brazilian Popular Music
In this conversation practice, we will delve into Elis Regina’s journey in Brazilian popular music (Música Popular Brasileira, MPB), highlighting her intense interpretations, artistic stance, and striking personality. With special attention to the phonetic elements of the song Waters of March (Águas de Março), we will explore how Elis transformed each song into an expressive experience by bringing together vocal technique, emotion, and artistic awareness.
In addition to guided listening, participants are invited to reflect on the legacy of the “Little Pepper”, a nickname that reflects Elis Regina’s fiery temperament, for artists across different generations. The goal is to encourage a critical and sensitive appreciation of this immensely important Brazilian singer, recognizing Elis not only as a remarkable woman, but as an enduring reference for authenticity and innovation.
- Type: Thematic workshop
- Presenter: Sylvia Gonçalves
- Language: English
- Age group: All ages
APRIL
When a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words
The history of science is full of moments when a single image led to new discoveries and fresh ideas. Think of Photo 51 and the sequencing of human DNA, Chladni figures, or the paintings in the Lascaux Cave and their role in rediscovering human capacities. The examples are countless.
In this conversation practice, the Ciborga team will take us on a journey through these and other images that sparked new ways of seeing the world and major scientific advances, laying the foundations of the knowledge we have today. This presentation is part of a scientific vulgarization project conceived and developed by Ciborga. To learn more about the project, you can visit www.ciborga.com.
- Type: Conversation practice
- Presenters: Thaís and Nicole
- Language: Portuguese
- Age group: All ages
JULY
Building Stories: A Creative Workshop for Young Writers
Designed for children who already speak Portuguese, this workshop introduces young audiences to their heritage language through the creation of short stories and narratives. By playfully exploring the key elements of a traditional short story, we will help children not only craft their own stories but also understand how stories are structured. Through hands-on activities, we aim at stimulating imagination, critical thinking, and written expression, supporting children who wish to strengthen their connection to the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture.
- Type: Thematic workshop
- Presenter: Sylvia Gonçalves
- Language: Portuguese
- Age group: Children aged 7 to 12
- Date: TBD
- Time: TBD
House of Brazilian Culture in Canada. All rights reserved.