For the third consecutive year, BR Day New York, the largest Brazilian party held abroad, will not take place. After 34 years shaking the heart of Manhattan on the first Sunday of September, the event had to be suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic caused by Covid-19. This year, in addition to the pandemic, which is not over yet, a combination of other factors led the organizers to cancel the party.
It is worth remembering, however, that the traditional street fair will take place. What was suspended were the musical performances that occur on the stage set up on Sixth Avenue.
In an interview with The Brasilians, the founder and president of the event, João de Matos, explains the reasons for canceling the shows and talks about plans for “the biggest event of all time” next year.
The Brasilians: September is almost here and we still haven’t heard news about Br Day NY. What is happening?
João de Matos: Unfortunately, we had to cancel BR Day once again. And we had to make this sad decision for several reasons. Of course, the first one is the Covid-19 pandemic, which is not over and is still causing many deaths and complications out there. To make matters worse, we are seeing that monkeypox is rapidly increasing in New York, with the city being at the epicenter of the outbreak of this new disease in the United States. We know that monkeypox is not as transmissible and dangerous as Covid-19, but it is a disease that spreads through close contact. You know, BR Day is a street party that gathers – as the popular saying goes “all together and mixed” – more than 1.5 million people. We, the organizers, believe that it is an immense irresponsibility to allow such a crowd to gather knowing that many there could get sick from either one thing or another.
TB: If this was not the only factor that canceled the party, what else is behind this decision?
JM: This year, a very peculiar factor also made us rethink our plans. We are in an election year in Brazil. It is no secret that this will be one of the most polarized elections – if not the most – in the country’s history. With that, many protests are happening, even outside Brazil. Recently, this happened at an event that brought together Brazilian artists in Central Park. I have not been made aware of any physical fights per se, but BR Day, due to its grandeur, could become a scene for protests and demonstrations that might not result in anything good.
TB: But has BR Day happened in other election years?
JM: Yes, of course, but as I said, we have never seen the population so polarized and radicalized, no matter what political side they are on. To give you an idea, it was the first time that the New York police came to talk to me about the possibility of riots at BR Day. They are monitoring and are aware that there are many demonstrations, especially here on the East Coast. BR Day would be a perfect setting for that too, especially since we would be 27 days away from the elections. This year, it would be the case to have another type of police at the event, a special team to contain possible conflicts. That scared us a little. BR Day is a wonderful party. I am proud to say that in 34 years we have never had major disturbances. The New York police love working at BR Day. They have told me that this is the only street event that all officers always want to work at. The party has always been very peaceful and completely focused on celebrating Brazilian culture.
TB: Did the City of New York advise your team not to hold the party?
JM: No way. Except for the year 2020, when everything was closed, the City of New York has never prevented me from holding the party. The decision to suspend it was 100% ours as organizers. We do not want to put our community at risk. The safety of the event attendees is the most important thing of all. We also do not want to have problems that tarnish the history of BR Day or that prevent us from holding the party in the future.
TB: So the safety of attendees, whether for health reasons or possible protests, is what led to the suspension of the party?
JM: Without a doubt! But it doesn’t stop there. There are logistical issues also involved. BR Day is a large-scale event that involves many people, including many coming from Brazil. Normally, we have to transport about 120 people – we always have three bands performing, which include artists, technicians, musicians, and family members – in a span of two days. With the problems that airlines are facing, it would be almost impossible to accomplish this in such a short timeframe. All of this requires a lot of organization and planning. But how to plan amid so many ups and downs, so many uncertainties that we are living through?
TB: And speaking of the future, what are the plans for next year?
JM: First, to hold the party, for sure! Then, the biggest one of all time. All the planning from this year will be transferred to next year, so I can say that preparations for 2023 have already begun. And as usual, there will be surprises ahead. Stay tuned!!!