ALAS to celebrate Brazilian Carnival

Heartland Community College’s chapter of the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) and the Global Student Union are bringing a celebration of Brazilian Carnival to the college campus on from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023. 

Carnival will be held in the Astroth Community Education Center (ACEC) and will feature traditional Carnival staples; people will get the chance to experience Brazilian cuisine, Samba Dance performances, professional dance instructions, crafts, and capoeira demonstrations by Axe Capoeira Arts Academy. 

The Astroth Community Education Center is located on Heartland Main Campus at 1500 W. Raab Rd. in Normal. 

With roots surrounding the observation of the Christian period Lent, Carnival is the most popular holiday in Brazil and has become an event of huge proportions. Brazilian Carnival in essence is a synthesis of European, Indigenous, and Afro-Brazilian cultural influences, each group playing an important role in the development of the structure and aesthetic of the Brazilian Carnival of today. 

ALAS members are passionate about planning the event to provide students, faculty, staff, and community members with a cultural opportunity to learn more about the unique aspects of this event and its origins. 

This event is free and open to the public.