Photos and video by Liu Xudong

A vibrant parade featuring specially choreographed Brazilian samba brought life to Shuiwei’s Cultural Block 1368 in Futian District on Saturday.

The event was hosted by Brass House, a Brazilian-Dutch bar that has become a staple in the area over the past several years. The parade carried the infectious joy and fervent passion of a Brazilian carnival into the local community, giving Shenzhen residents a taste of the exotic.

The celebration featured a percussion band and samba performers that moved through the block’s narrow alleys. At various bars and bistros, they paused to perform, drawing crowds who eagerly snapped photos and stepped into the festive procession.

The carnival, created by Brass House, first took shape in 2019. Emmanuel Avemegan, known as Manu, co-partner of the bar, said he and his Brazilian partner wanted to bring the Brazilian culture to China, and shared how the Brazilian people enjoy the carnival.

Samba, a dance that grew out of the synergy of African rhythms and Brazilian tunes, has traveled from the animated streets of Rio de Janeiro to the world stage, embodying joy, resistance, and the spirit of celebration.

At its heart, samba is more than a musical style — it is an exuberant celebration of life. With its irresistible rhythms, entrancing steps, and deep cultural meaning, samba tells stories of love, struggle, and triumph. It is also a symbol of endurance, honored across every layer of Brazilian society.

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