By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – For many São Paulo residents, a holiday is just the right opportunity to escape from this hectic metropolis: they just can’t picture spending a warm, sunny Easter in São Paulo’s concrete jungle.
But as São Paulo’s bustling cultural landscape keeps it interesting all year round, remaining in the austere capital can also pose as the perfect choice for a pleasant, relaxed Easter Holiday.
From a hyped music show in one of the Centro’s dopest spots to a ritualistic Afro-Brazilian party on a hill, we have selected the best cultural events happening in São Paulo in the upcoming days.
Rap lovers cannot go wrong this Holiday with Red Bull Music Pulso 2019, where 25 independent artists from all over Brazil will be celebrating the contemporary rap music in the country. Until April 28th, the audience will be able to watch panels and participate in workshops on the future of rap music.
Taking place in a former power station from the 1920s, now turned into the beautifully designed Red Bull Station, the event includes poetry slam battles, DJ sets and shows. On April 21st, the unmissable Batekoo party will be hosted, which is all about black music and peripheral urban culture.
Could anything sound more exciting for kids than a giant Easter egg? Those looking for a playful, family attraction must go to the famous Ibirapuera Park this Holiday. There lies a twenty-meter tall egg, displaying projections by Muti Randolph, Marcelo Paciornick e Batman Zavareze.
Although Ibirapuera Park is rather a daily venue, the video projections happen from 6 PM to 10 PM. As the sun sets and the light show begins, the Egg resembles an impressive UFO from another galaxy.
Exploring São Paulo’s countless “botecos” has already become a thing amongst bohemians. But with “Comida de Boteco” back to São Paulo, going to a bar can be a tasteful event for the Holiday. Since 2000, the beloved “Comida de Boteco” food contest elects the best appetizer of the year.
Taking place in 21 Brazilian cities, the 20th edition of “Comida de Boteco” arrived in São Paulo on April 12th with 68 bars participating in the contest. Until May 12th, foodies can indulge in the most authentic finger food creations for only 20 reais (the standard price for all competing dishes).
On Saturday, April 20th, Morro do Querosene, a forested hill inhabited by artists, students, and workers, encrusted in the district of Butantã, will host the “Nascimento do Boi,” or the “Birth of the Ox” festivity. One of São Paulo’s most traditional Easter events, the “Nascimento do Boi” has been held in Morro do Querosene for over twenty years.
An Afro-Brazilian festivity from the Northeastern State of Maranhão, “Nascimento do Boi” gathers artists, students and Brazilian music enthusiasts every year on Easter Saturday. Performing religious rites, displaying typical food from Maranhão and plenty of caboclinho, maracatu and ciranda music, the party starts at 4 PM and goes on until the late hours.
Star Wars fans also have a reason to stay in São Paulo, as the “Star Wars in Concert” happening in the Allianz Parque on Saturday, at 8 PM. Run by regent Thiago Tibério, the Orquestra Sinfônica Villa-Lobos will play one of the most iconic cinema soundtracks from all times, while the very first Star Wars movie (1977) is displayed on the screen.