Monthly Archive for June, 2009

Bantus Singapore 4th Anniversary Bash

Yup, we’re turning 4 on 1st July 2009. So even though the year started off badly, we want to celebrate with all the good folks who stuck with us, stood on our side and just plain gave us the moral support when we were made target practice. THANKS EVERYONE (you know who you are!) for walking through the fire with us.

reggae party

So we’re chilling out by the pools (yes, there are more than 1 pool), muking around on the carpet grass slopes from 3pm. BBQ pit will fire up from 5pm (courtesy of Chef Claudinho and assistants). We will supply the meat (for the carnivores among us) and drinks but would appreciate some help with the carbos (eg. pasta, rice, noodle dishes or veggies) and desserts (if it’s gonna melt then you’ll have to bring it in a cooler box). Let us know in class or by email if you can make it or bring a dish. Bring your own liquid poison (if you’re into alcohol) and instruments (eg. guitar, shakers, etc) so we can jam, skank and reggae on!

Location Map: click here

See you at our Festa Julina!

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What to expect at our 1st Festa Julina

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You! Dressed as a hillbilly. And your friends and family too! Prizes for the most original or (ahem) innovative costume (for male, female & child categories)

sack racer Fun games for the whole family, namely, dads and kids (since all the moms will be dolled up in dresses, they probably shouldn’t try sack racing…) Game stalls where you can try your hand at fishing or tossing with prizes for the kids. There will also be a Capoeira roda (so bring your abada and t-shirt along!) As well as typical Brazilian savoury and sweet snacks featured only in a party like this.doces festa juninaMaçã_do_amorbolo de fubA

Casamento da roça, a mock backwoods wedding that is part of the quadrilha, a highly improvised square dance. If you are game enough, come dressed as a bride or a priest! We guarantee there’ll be lots of hilarious action to witness! ‘Enuf said.

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A Quadrilha for everyone! No experience needed. Only herd mentality. All you have to do is follow the person in front of you which is easy enough!
Where the quadrilha ends, forró will begin. Forró lovers, dance to your heart’s content and if you can’t get enough of it, stay on for Forró Nite which starts at 9pm on the same day!

For all the single gals and guys (and couples,too!), a messenger girl will be delivering anonymous love notes from/to you to your sweetheart/from your secret admirers throughout the event. So if you’ve been dying to say something to someone that you have the hots for…send the person a love note! Or you can be sure some self-appointed matchmaker will do it on your behalf! All in the name of fun.taturana1

Everything you need to know about Festa Junina!

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In Brazil, the month of June marks the beginning of the fall harvest. Throughout this period, you will find Brazilians celebrating Festa Junina (literally means ‘mini June party’) where the farmers’ and fishermen’s patron saints, Anthony, John and Peter are honored. According to legend, Anthony also reputedly helps single women find husbands.

To celebrate, the fun-loving Brazilians do what they do best. Party!

In the true spirit of the festivities, the guys don straw hats, spot fake or real moustaches/beards, uni-brows and toothless grins while clad in their patched jeans and plaid/checked shirts. The gals braid their hair, spot freckles and toothless grins and wear floral or print dresses in true caipira (hillbilly) style and join night-long dances in honor of the people who labor the land.

Caipira is a Brazilian Portuguese term used to describe inhabitants of rural, remote areas of some Brazilian states who are simple and less-educated country folk living in the boonies.

Although Bantus Capoeira traditionally celebrates this festival in June annually, ours will debut on Saturday 11 July 09. Our Festa Julina (mini July party) is presented by YMCA of Singapore, in collaboration with Bantus Capoeira, Brazilian Sttar & the Brazilian Embassy.

Not to miss out on this unique folkloric cultural festivity, we hope to be joined by the Brazilian community as well as local and expatriate residents living in Singapore for an afternoon of fun from 3pm to 7pm at the YMCA Singapore followed by more partying at Forró nite from 9pm onwards!)

COMING UP: PART 2