Name
Integrating Culture through Art and Music: Exploring Brazilian Festivals
Date & Time
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM
Description
This project aims to integrate two of Brazil’s most iconic cultural celebrations: Festa Junina and Carnaval, into the diverse setting of an international school. Students from the Lower Primary Division of Avenues São Paulo school engaged in immersive experiences of Brazilian culture through art, music, dance, and traditions, nurturing their appreciation for cultural diversity.By exposing our students to the diverse artistic languages of Brazilian popular culture through learning experiences and cultural events, we can help them develop a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of their own culture, as well as the cultures of others. This fosters greater understanding, respect, and empathy for individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting a more inclusive and harmonious society.The core purpose of the project is to provide students with varied learning opportunities where art and music serve as powerful tools for cultural immersion. Using the Orff Schulwerk approach, students explored rich artistic expressions of Brazilian popular culture through singing, dancing, creating, playing, and improvising. Festa Junina provided students with an introduction to traditional folk dances, songs, and crafts rooted in rural Brazilian heritage. At the same time, Carnaval introduced them to rhythms, parades, costumes, and samba schools that celebrate joy and community.By integrating these two festivals into the curriculum, students achieved transformative learning outcomes, deepening their cultural awareness and appreciation of Brazilian traditions, developing creativity, interdisciplinary learning skills, and cross-cultural understanding. Language proficiency improved as students engaged in singing and storytelling, while teamwork and confidence flourished through collaborative artistic projects.This project demonstrates how music education can bridge cultural expressions and foster inclusivity, highlighting the potential of school-based initiatives to nurture global citizens through local traditions.
Location Name
514A
Full Address
Palais des Congres - Montréal Convention Centre
1001, Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montreal QC H2Z 1H2
Canada
Session Type
Workshop
Presenting Author(s)
Inara Ferreira, Natalia Eretezky