Global Samba just got back from New York and we had a great time. You may remember our interview with Quenia Ribeiro, Brazilian samba professional and guru. Well, we got to meet her in person. Her samba class was so much fun!, we danced Rio and samba reggae styles. She is a ball of energy and super sweet!
We briefly talked about the carnival parade which happens on W 46th street (Little Brazil) in September. Quenia mentioned she participates, however it doesn't have a large presence.
Why so small for the Big Apple? Where are all the Brazilians in New York?!
This question got me thinking about the history of Brazilians migrating to New York. Maybe understanding the history would shed some light on why the largest and most famous parade known to Brazilians is fairly small there. Luckily, Dr. Maxine Margolis asked the same historical question in the 1980's and wrote a book about her research entitled, Little Brazil: An Ethnography of Brazilian Immigrants in New York City.
Dr. Maxine Margolis uncovered some of the unknown facts about the Brazilian community in New York. When Brazilians migrated (also to other areas in the east coast of the US), they mainly settled on W 46th Street and in Astoria, Queens. Brazilians migrated mostly as educated middle class. Many excelled and were owners of Brazilian banks and other establishments and some were part of the labor intensive jobs from housekeeping to restaurant work. Dr. Maxine Margolis spend a couple of years speaking with hundreds of families and informants to bring to life the journeys of Brazilians. It took so long because much of the immigration information doesn't exist, and many families would be deported if found illegal so stayed very much under the radar. These communities were bound by language barriers in some cases and didn't want to bring attention to themselves.
Does this explain why carnaval is rather small? While the communities do celebrate, they aren't yelling from the rooftops, we are here!
Next year Global Samba wants to join the New Yorkers at the carnaval and really find out for ourselves.
If you have any insights about Brazilians in New York we would love to learn more.
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Not going to Brazil in February for Carnaval? Celebrating in spirit is the next best thing, but if you feel like being surrounded by feathery costumes, music and a lot of happy people, you can go to one of the many carnavals happening across Europe. One of my favorite travel planning sites, Joboili, has full details of each carnaval here. The carnaval in Las Palmas, Spain just made the short list!
