This week…

This Saturday, local restaurant Yemanja Brazil will help host St. Louis’ Brazil Day, an exciting celebration of Brazilian culture, history, and food! We at Gusoo would like to share some of the ways that you can participate this upcoming weekend, and hopefully learn something about Brazil at the same time!
Photo of a celebration of Brazil’s Independence Day

History of Brazilian Independence Day

On the 7th of September 1822, Prince Pedro of Portugal would declare Brazil’s independence from his father’s kingdom, ending 322 years of Portuguese colonial rule over Brazil.

*San Diego residents celebrating Brazilian Day*

Since then, the day has been celebrated by Brazilians, becoming a federal holiday since 1949. Usual festivities include large civil-military parades, Brazilian music concerts, exhibitions of Brazilian dances such as Samba and Jongo, and martial arts displays. These activities are held mainly in major cities, especially São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Brazilian celebrations around the world

Brazilian Day is an annual celebration that takes place in cities across the globe in regions that have thriving Brazilian communities. From San Diego to Canada, and even Stockholm, diverse communities of individuals are united by this fun and special celebration.

One of the largest Brazilian Day celebrations takes place in New York City on September 3. Since it was first started in 1984 by the Brazilian-American Cultural Center, it has become a mega event where over 1 million individuals of diverse backgrounds come together and enjoy acclaimed Brazilian artists, dances, and other performing arts that showcase Brazil’s rich culture.

St. Louis Brazilian Day Festival

Not able to visit New York City? Thankfully, St. Louis holds its own Brazilian Day celebration every year on September 9th!

*A parade participant dances in front of a crowd at St. Louis’ Brazilian Day*

The Brazilian Day Festival has a little something for everyone of all ages and backgrounds, including arts & crafts for children by Viva BRASIL, Samba lessons, live Brazilian band performances, and most importantly, food from Yemanja Brasil.

Yemanja Brazil, located in historic Benton Park to the southeast, is owned by locals Lemya Sidki and Raul Uribe. The restaurant gets its namesake from the major water spirit Yemọja of the Yoruba region of West Africa. In Brazil, Yemọja is worshiped by the Yoruba diaspora as a deity of the sea, and is generally well-known among Brazilians.

Logo of Yemanja Brasil

The Yemanja Festival in Brazil takes place around New Year’s annually. Followers dressed in white offer flowers and gifts to Yemọja on the shore to be carried out by ocean currents. Festivities include night-long carnival music and dancing after the offerings, as well as elaborate fireworks displays.

**Feijoada Recipe**

*A bowl of Feijoada*

One dish we’d like to highlight is Brazil’s national dish, Feijoada (fay·jow·aa·duh). Whether you aren’t able to attend the event in person or would just like to taste the authentic cultural flavors of Brazil from the comfort of your home, we have a recipe for you to try.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Feijoada:

1 pound (450g) black beans, dried
1 pound (450g) pork shoulder, cut into chunks
1/2 pound (225g) smoked sausage (linguiça), sliced into rounds
1/2 pound (225g) chorizo sausage, sliced into rounds
1/2 pound (225g) smoked pork ribs or bacon, cut into pieces
1/2 pound (225g) pork belly, cut into cubes
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rice:

2 cups long-grain white rice
4 cups water
Salt to taste

For Garnish:

Orange slices
Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Beans:

Rinse the black beans in cold water and soak them overnight, or use the quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and letting them sit for 1 hour.

2. Cook the Beans:

Drain and rinse the soaked beans. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender. You may need to add more water as they cook.

3. Cook the Meats:

In a separate large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the pork shoulder, smoked sausage, chorizo, smoked pork ribs or bacon, and pork belly. Cook until they start to brown.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.

4. Combine Beans and Meats:

Add the cooked beans to the pot with the meats.
Add bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Cover and simmer the feijoada on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if necessary to keep it from getting too thick.

5. Cook the Rice:

In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
Add 2 cups of rice and a pinch of salt.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

6. Serve:

Serve the feijoada hot, ladled over the cooked rice.
Garnish with orange slices, chopped fresh cilantro, and/or parsley.
It's traditional to serve feijoada with a side of farofa (toasted cassava flour) and sautéed greens.

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