08.06.2019

Arraial 2019 honors Gilberto Gil

Beacon Arraial is a great musical moment of Beacon’s Brazilian identity. Together with traditional songs of this national festivity, starting this year, we will also choose a Brazilian composer or singer to celebrate.

In 2019, we honored Gilberto Gil, a composer and singer with a strong identification with popular manifestations of June festivities, as shown in his projects “São João Carioca” and “São João Vivo”. Furthermore, Gil is one of the main interpreters of Luiz Gonzaga, who composed inspiring songs for June celebrations.

The students were immersed in the repertoire of songs and dances for our Arraial. In addition to the musical repertoire, they learned about the Brazilian popular tradition and culture, such as typical food, party decorations, and the celebrations all over the country.

Our dream of producing an Arraial festival with and for the Community is present every year: a cooperative and caring festivity. This year, more the 5,000 people participated in the party, among students, family members and Beacon staff.

Making the best  of this big event, Beacon invited the community to reflect on sustainable attitudes and habits. Aiming at reducing the consumption and disposal of waste, some actions were taken, such as the “Bring Your Cup”  “Meu Copo Eco” campaigns. The option of renting or buying a reusable cup during the party avoided the use of disposable resources, and the cups became great ecological partners! Furthermore, we had the “Sou Resíduo Zero” seal campaign, aiming at engaging people, communities and companies to plan and manage their own waste. The materials generated at the Arraial were separated and sent to cooperatives of collectors and recyclers. Our focus lies on the construction of a sustainable school by creating collective awareness through campaigns and projects.

Our Arraial was a true celebration of the Brazilian culture! Parents engaged, students prepared and excited, and staff committed. The outcome could only be a huge success!