The Brazilian Community
The excitement of Rio’s Carnival, with its spectacular costumes and pulsating samba music, is re-enacted every February by Toronto’s Brazilian community in two charity balls, attracting a large crowd of Brazilians, Canadians, and other ethnic groups. The festivities coincide with the celebrations held in every state of Brazil, with lots of music, dances, food, and folklore.
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The Brazilian community has grown in numbers over the last few years and has established itself mostly in Toronto’s downtown area, known as Little Portugal. Brazilians first arrived in the city in the late 1980s as economic refugees, taking jobs in construction and the blue-collar trades. Today, the community has approximately 4,500 people and includes people working in many occupations and professions.
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Places to Go
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Brazilian goods, such as groceries, CDs, clothes, and crafts, can be found in most Portuguese or Brazilian-owned establishments, including Brazilian Star Bar & Grill, (Tel. 416-588-2967, 1242 Dundas St. W). Caju, (Tel. 416-532-2550, 922 Queen St. W). Brazil Bakery and Pastry Ltd, (Tel. 416-531-2888, 1566 Dundas St. W).
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Escola de Samba de Toronto, (Tel. 416-532-7923, www.sambatoronto.ca, Contact: Alan). Is a steadily growing group of drummers, instrumentalists, singers and dancers who share a passion for Brazilian music, Samba above all. Mistura Fina, (Tel. 416-532-7923), features the delicate blending of violao, percussion and vocals, creating an exquisite sense of musical intimacy. Sounds of Wave, (Tel. 416-532-7923), is a musical ensemble of six talented musicians combing different elements to create a delicious blend of Brazilian popular music. Sambacana, (Tel. 416-532-7923), is a creation of powerful melodies and rhythms provided by a battery of drums and percussion, guitar, bass, keyboard, and vocals.
The excitement of Brazil Day is abundantly obvious. It is held annually at Dundas Square.
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Religious Centres, Schools and Other Institutions
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Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion. Many Brazilians attend city churches where services are held in Portuguese.
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REGINA MUNDI, (Tel. 416-393-5362, 70 Playfair Ave.), teaches children Portuguese on weekends.
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ST. ANTHONY’S CHURCH, (Tel. 416-536-3333, Fax 416-532-7091, 1041 Bloor St. W), Pastor: Ezio Marchetto.
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Holidays and Celebrations
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INDEPENDENCE DAY. On September 7th, Brazilians celebrate their National Day (Independence Day).
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See Holidays and Celebrations in Glossary.
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Media
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BRASIL NEWS, (Tel. 416-538-4298, brasilnews@brasilnews.ca, 877 College St., Suite 201); contact: Tania Nuttall.
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THE BRAZILIANIST MAGAZINE, (Tel. 416-826-1455, Fax 416-533-8658, www.brazilianist.com); contact: Teresa Botelho.
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INTERLISTA DE NEGÓCIOS, (Tel. 416-201-1009, Fax 416-927-9530, www.interlista.com); contact: Teresa Botelho.
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SOTAQUE BRASILERO MAGASIN, (Tel. 416-533-1376, Fax 416-533-8658, www.sotaquebrasilero.com, 828 Bloor St. W., Unit C); Quartely Magazine, editor: Teresa Botelho.
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Organizations
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PORTUGUESE (BRAZILIAN) LANGUAGE SERVICES, (Tel. 416-593-1444, 277 Wellington St. W).
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GRUPO BRAZIZ OF ONTARIO INC, (Tel. 416-201-1009, www.grupobrazil.ca, PO Box 451, Station E). President: Regina Felieov.
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CENTRO DE INFORMACIO BRAZIL ANGOLA, (Tel. 416-760-2665, 248 Ossington Ave). President: Eugenia Gardim
Consulates, Trade Commissions and Tourist Bureaus
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CONSULATE GENERAL OF BRAZIL, (Tel. 416-922-2503, Fax 416-922-1832, 77 Bloor St. W., Suite 1105). Consul General: Mr. Américo Dyott Fontenelle.
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BRAZIL CANADA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, (Tel. 416-364-3555, www.ccacanada.com/bccc, 438 University Ave., Suite 1618, Box 60).
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Prominent Torontonians
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Dr. Tirone David, Head of the Cardiology Dept. of Toronto General Hospital; Dr. Tomas Antonio Salerno, Former Head Division of Cardio -vascular Surgery–University Health Network; Ana Maria de Souza, Founder and President of the Brazilian Carnival Ball.