Brazillian Day Santa Barbara kicks off Saturday

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-

Brazilian day in Santa Barbara kicked off Saturday at Casa de la Guerra. 

November has officially been recognized as Brazilian American Heritage Month.

It is also the first ever Brazillian day festival in Santa Barbara.

“Brazil is passion. Brazil is music. Brazil is fun. So everything that you see, you hear people talking about different communities is an amazing community,” said drummer Aliz Rubalcaba. 

This free event featured Brazilian bands, dance classes, a Carnaval parade, a Brazilian bikini fashion show, local vendors, Brazilian cocktails and, of course, Brazilian food.

“You give it salt and it gets like this exterior on there, right here like that. And the crystallized that gives it a lot of flavor,” said Chef Enrique Alvarez. 

visitors danced, sang, and waved the Brazilian flag with pride.

“Brazilian culture is incredible. It's so much more. It's like a celebration of your body and your individuality,” said Festival Volunteer Ananya Kepper. 

“We love hugs and kisses. Sometimes that's so much for Americans,” said Brazilian linguist Mariana Furst. 

The love of soccer runs deep for many Brazilians we spoke to. 

“The World Cup starts tomorrow, and I don't have any American friends celebrating about it, so I'm always on my phone talking to my Brazilian friends because we are all so excited for it,” said native Brazilian Beatriz Furst. 

“Who's going to win the World Cup tomorrow? Brazil,” said event attendee Leonardo Dos Santos. 

Locals say the Brazilian day festival will be the start of a soon to be annual tradition.