The Festival Brasil was inaugurated last week at the 798 Art District, an art hub in Beijing. As part of the programme for the China-Brazil Year of Culture 2026, the event is promoted by the Brazilian Tourist Board (Embratur), the Ministry of Culture, and Itaipu Tourism, with the aim of introducing Chinese audiences to Brazil’s nature, culture and tourist destinations.

During the five-day festival, an exhibition dedicated to Brazil’s six biomes - geographical areas with similar climates, soils and vegetation that are home to various forms of animal and plant life - showcases 42 photographs, works by 60 artisans from different regions of the country, 40 woodcuts and immersive virtual-reality experiences showcasing Brazilian landscapes and tourist destinations. The programme also includes samba, choro - Brazil’s first urban popular music genre, dating back to the 19th century - Brazilian popular music, traditional rhythms from the south of the country and capoeira – an Afro-Brazilian cultural expression that blends martial arts, dance, music and play, as well as DJ performances.

The event takes place against a backdrop of growing interest among Chinese tourists in Brazil. Data from the Chinese travel platform Qunar indicate that, as of 26 August, Rio de Janeiro was the international destination with the highest growth in flight ticket bookings.

(Source: Xinhua Portuguese, 2 September)