Photos by Frank Santangelo
Hundreds of residents joined the Somerville Arts Council and SomerVIVA, the City’s immigrant outreach program this past weekend for the fourth annual “Haiti and Brazil Hit The ‘Ville Festival,”, an ArtsUnion festival.
The festival took place this past Saturday evening from 7-10pm in Union Square Plaza and included music, dance, food, family-friendly activities and more for the entire community.
For the first time, this year the festival was held in the evening rather than during afternoon hours, and featured a Beer Garden with Haitian and Brazilian beverages for guests 21+.
The festival brought together two of the largest groups within the wider Somerville community that are both served by the SomerVIVA program.
Haitian performing groups Bobo’s Band, Haitian DJ, and Brazilian performers Banda de Forró Pé de Anjo and Os Forrozeiros provided live entertainment as festival goers feasted on traditional foods such as Haitian fritay, and Brazilian churrasco and Acaraje, purchase handmade crafts, and watch performances of Brazilian capoeira and more as many danced the night away at this free outdoor community festival.
Additionally, in partnership with the Haitian Community Church of Somerville and community members, Festival sponsors conducted a school supplies drive for children in Haiti who were affected by Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Attendees who brought an item to donate generously dropped any school supplies in the designated collection bins.
