Brazil in Europe: Europalia

Europalia is a major international arts festival held every two years to celebrate one invited country’s cultural heritage. Its name is a combination of two words: “Europe” and “Opalia,” an ancient Roman harvest festival held in mid-December in honour of Ops, earth-goddess and fertility deity. Her name lies at the root of the Latin word “Opus”, that denotes a work of art. Since 1969, Europalia has organised some twenty-two festivals. Each has turned the spotlight on one culture in a comprehensive programme of music, fine arts, photography, cinema, theatre, dance and literature. From October to February, the festival fills numerous locations in Brussels, other Belgian cities and in neighbouring countries, including the Netherlands. The festival offers guest countries a unique opportunity to present their cultural heritage and contemporary arts in an optimal format. In this way, Europalia hopes to promote better understanding between nations and stimulate cultural exchange between peoples.

The Europalia festival strives to include every cultural aspect of the guest country, from past national treasures to contemporary works, from the arts, science and fashion to design, folklore and even gastronomy. During the festival period, every heart in Belgium and across its borders in France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands, beats as one with the guest country.

In 2011 Brazil will be Europalia’s guest country. For events taking place in the Netherlands (Maastricht) check the agenda here.

Source: www.europalia.be/europalia/mission.