Residents from across Everett gathered at City Hall on Tuesday, September 8, to celebrate Brazilian Independence Day and recognize the cultural, civic, and economic contributions of Everett’s Brazilian community.
The celebration featured live music and dancing, the raising of the Brazilian flag outside City Hall, and remarks from city, state, and consulate officials.
Brazilian Deputy Consul General Maria Helena Pinheiro Penna of the Consulate General of Brazil in Boston addressed attendees during the celebration.
“It is an honor to stand before you today to celebrate our national day, for this historic anniversary of our independence,” said Pinheiro Penna. “We do not only look back at the birth of our sovereign nation in 1822; we also look forward to celebrating the vibrant community of Brazilians who call this municipality of Everett home, and forming a bridge of friendship between Brazil and the United States. Brazilians are proud to contribute every single day to the progress of the city and the state.”
Everett’s Brazilian community is an important part of the city’s diverse cultural landscape, with residents, families, business owners, and community leaders contributing to the city’s neighborhoods, local economy, and civic life.
“For those of us who are thousands of miles away from Brazil, celebrations like this are about so much more than just raising a flag. They’re about keeping our culture alive, celebrating music, food, language, traditions, and the Brazilian spirit,” said City Councilor Stephanie Martins. “Here in Everett, the Brazilian community has become an important part of the fabric of the city, opening businesses, keeping the storefronts vibrant, creating jobs, providing essential services, and helping move our local economy forward.”
“Today’s flag raising is really an occasion and a chance for Brazilian residents to see a piece of home represented in this place where you live, work, raise your families, and build that future together,” said Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “I am proud to recognize Brazilian heritage in the City of Everett. On behalf of the City, I say Happy Brazilian Independence Day to everyone here. Thank you so very much for everything you bring to and do for this community. Obrigado.”
“May this occasion remind us that our diversity is one of the greatest strengths, and that our city is better because of the people and families who have chosen to build their lives here,” said Paulo Pinto, CEO of the Massachusetts Alliance for Portuguese Speakers. “Happy Brazilian Independence Day, and long live the friendship between Brazil, our community, and the City of Everett.”
Brazilian Independence Day, celebrated annually on September 7, commemorates Brazil’s 1822 declaration of independence from Portugal by Dom Pedro, who later became the nation’s first emperor.
The Brazilian Independence Day celebration provided an opportunity for Everett residents to celebrate the history, culture, and traditions of Brazil while recognizing the many ways the Brazilian community continues to contribute to the City of Everett.
