A cultural center celebrating the arts, music and language of Brazil has opened just in time for those looking to learn some Portuguese before the 2014 World Cup.
Casa Brasil opened its doors seven months ago at Avenida Juárez 385, in the heart of Guadalajara’s historic downtown. The center was the vision of Jose Perez, whose family owns the large, historic building where the cultural activities take place, and his wife Erika Lage, who’s Brazilian. Together they launched the center with the support of the Brazilian Embassy and the Câmara Brasileira do Livro, or Brazilian Book Chamber, which donated books for the center’s library.
Perez said he believes Guadalajara residents can benefit from a better understanding of the culture, arts and society of Latin America’s largest country. After all, people today are living in an increasingly interconnected world.“I think the relations in the world are becoming more global,” Perez said.
The center offers classes in Portuguese as well as lessons in Brazil’s traditional music and dance, including the popular samba. Native Brazilian teachers lead the classes.
There are also lessons in martial arts such as Capoeira, which combines dance, acrobatics and music, and jiu-jitsu, a combat sport focused mainly on ground fighting.
The language classes cost 800 pesos per month while other classes cost 500 pesos per month, Perez said.
In honor of the World Cup being held in Brazil next year, Perez said those who complete the entire Portuguese course would have a chance to win a flight to the South American country.
There are currently about 40 students enrolled in classes at the center, though Perez emphasized that Casa Brasil had only opened recently. He said support from organizations like the Brazilian Embassy have helped legitimize the language lessons offered by the center.
The center already has a 500-volume library and it displays artwork and photography that convey themes celebrating the culture of Brazil. Colorful paintings by a local group of street artists also decorate the walls. In all, Perez said it cost between 250,000 and 300,000 dollars to rehabilitate the historic downtown structure, most of which had sat empty for many years.
The center already offers several classes and Perez said he’s continuing to explore ideas for future expansion. He also wants to have Casa Brasil serve as a place where people can learn about business opportunities.
Perez said he plans to expand the center cautiously, depending on the needs of those who visit. He is working on opening a cafeteria that will sell coffee and Brazilian breads stuffed with meat or chicken at the entrance of the center to draw more people in off the street.
The center will also offer information about Guadalajara’s historic downtown, Perez said. While the focus is on Brazil, the center aims to build partnerships between countries around the globe.