The Casa Brasil, a cultural, language and business space promoting Latin America’s largest nation, has opened in the heart of downtown Guadalajara.
As well as offering classes in Portuguese, Casa Brasil will provide courses in traditional music and dance, including the much-loved samba.The center is the brainchild of Jose Perez, who has received support from the Brazilian embassy in Mexico City and Guadalajara consulate.
There’s a 500-volume library (with books in Portuguese) and future plans include a store selling traditional Brazilian arts and crafts and a wing dedicated to tourism projects.
The classes will be given by native Brazilian teachers.
The center opened May 2 with the inauguration of an exhibit featuring 52 abstract artworks by Brazilian artist Solange de Nero inspired by the Mexican game of “Loteria.” The pieces – all made with recyclable materials – refer to the cards used in the popular family game, whose Brazilian counterpart is known as “bingo.”
Large-format photographs of some of Brazil’s most celebrated cultural icons – including architect Oscar Niemeyer, poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade and writer Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis – adorn the center’s attractive central patio.
Casa Brasil, Juarez 385, between Galeana and Colon, Centro Historico; (33) 1730-5615, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; website: www.casabrasil.com.mx. Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Municipal Book Fair
The Guadalajara Municipal Book Fair (photo left) takes up all four sides of the downtown Palacio Municipal. Nearly all the books for sale are in Spanish but there are many children’s titles – great for the grandkids learning the language. The fair is open daily until Sunday, May 19. Prices are very reasonable.
Design fest
The spring edition of Bazart takes place at the Larva Cultural Center in downtown Guadalajara on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19.
The bazaar features some of the best examples of independent design in Mexico, focusing on fashion (clothes and accessories), as well as graphic works. There will be live music and Larva’s street front cafe is a great place to hang out. The ViarecrActiva passes by Sunday from 8 a.m. until, 2 p.m.
Larva occupies a former imposing movie theater in the heart of Guadalajara, at Avenida Juarez 451, corner of Ocampo.
Bazart ia open on both days from 1 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Free trees
Mango and guava trees are given away for free in the Plaza Universidad in downtown Guadalajara this week (photo right). Sponsored by Extra’s “Un bosque urbano” project, more free trees will be handed out on Tuesday, May 14 and 21, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the plaza, located at the convergence of Juarez, Colon and Pedro Moreno, facing the Biblioteca Iberoamericana.
Expos
Upcoming shows at the Expo Guadalajara arena include:
Expo Franquicias (Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17). Explore franchise opportunities, some of the them from the United States. Web: www.fif.com.mx.
Expo Bici (Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19). Cycling expo. Website: www.expobici.mx.
Expo Fiesta Infantil (Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19). A show where you will find everything connected with staging a successful children’s party. Website: www.expofiestainfantil.com.
Expo Guadalajara is located on Avenida Mariano Otero, at the corner of Avenida las Rosas, five blocks from Plaza del Sol. Entry prices and times of entry vary; check website for more details
