Sunday, September 2, will mark the 34th annual Brazilian Day in New York. They made it easy to know the dates because it has always been on the Sunday before Labor Day. For the past 33 years, this festival/show has attracted Brazilians from all over the world in celebration of Brazil’s Independence Day. It is a very special day for Brazilians and friends of Brazilians to paint Manhattan green and yellow. If you are Brazilian, you will find yourself in one of the 25 
blocks filled with vendors.
The smells and sounds of Brazil surround the area known as “Little Brazil.” For Brazilians living here in the U.S., it is nostalgia at its best; for friends of Brazilians, it is a memorable experience.
The city of New York has always embraced the idea of having a day dedicated to Brazil and its people.
This annual celebration started 34 years ago right in the heart of Little Brazil, on West 46th Street, with a maximum of 
300 people. Today, over 1 million people attend, and there are more than 25 blocks of vendors. The main event is the show. The huge stage is set up at 6th Avenue and 42nd Street. The producers bring various bands and popular artists from Brazil, along with several surprises throughout the day. The show usually starts around 1 PM and ends around 6 PM. Some of this year’s artists include the pop-rock band Paralamas do Sucesso, the country music duo Matheus & Kauan, DJ Dennis, who, along with Tony Garrido and MC Koringa, will bring a bit of carioca funk to New York, and a new star of Brazilian music, Eduarda Brasil, winner of the TV show The Voice Kids Brasil.
This event is very significant for all Brazilians currently living in the U.S., and especially for the “Brazilian New Yorkers.” It was these people who first embraced the event and, to be honest, helped make it what it is today. Below is an article written and published by the newspaper The Brasilians in 1987, just before the 4th annual Brazilian Day. At that time, the event was on West 46th Street, now known as “Little Brazil.”
“Brazil now occupies a defined space among the various communities that help form the United States.
Historically speaking, this country was developed thanks to many immigrants, who are the essence of this nation. When the Irish parade down 5th Avenue, paying homage to St. Patrick, we witness the power of their community, which helped create the foundations of the American people. The San Gennaro Feast in Little Italy marks the vibrant presence of the Italian people. Chinese, Polish, Puerto Ricans, Germans, and Greeks also celebrate 
their national holidays here.
The Brazilian flag is unfurled right in the center of the largest city in the world, waving the colors of Brazil. Brazilians in the U.S. represent quality, not quantity. They gather many new immigrants and friends from other nationalities on 46th Street. Numerically, the Brazilian community is not large. However, in the past three years, the Brazilian Independence Day Street Festival has been present in the New York press, both foreign and Brazilian. May the next Brazilian Independence Day Street Festival be a link in the relations between Brazilians and Americans, and also an example of strengthening these relations in every way between these two great countries.”
More than three decades later, we can honestly say that things have only improved. Seeing Brazilians and Americans come together in celebration is a sight to behold and makes it all worthwhile!
For more information about Brazilian Day 2018 in New York, visit the website: www.brazilianday.com.