As a Brazilian living in Graz, Austria, one of the things that brings me immense joy is seeing the vibrant culture of my homeland celebrated here. This year, I’m particularly excited about the Samba in Hartberg Festival, which will take place from August 9th to 11th, 2024, in the charming town of Hartberg, nestled in the beautiful region of Styria.

This festival is now in its third year, and it’s truly a special event for anyone who loves Brazilian culture or wants to experience the energy and joy that Brazil is known for. What I love most about this festival is how it brings together people from all over Europe who share a passion for samba, music, dance, and, of course, Brazilian food.

Friday was an amazing start to the festival, filled with vibrant samba workshops, energetic performances, and the delicious taste of Brazilian cuisine. The atmosphere was electric, with people dancing, laughing, and enjoying every moment of this cultural celebration. It was the perfect way to kick off the weekend, and it set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Here’s the program for today and tomorrow:

Saturday, August 10th, 2024

• 09:30 – 13:30: Samba Batucada Workshop for advanced participants with Negao da Serrinha and Clarissa Altmann.
• 10:30 – 12:30: Afro-Brazilian Dance Workshop with Anderson Pinheiro da Silva.
• 12:00 – 23:00: Brazilian food and drinks available at stands in the main square.
• 13:00 – 16:00: Crafts and face painting for children.
• 13:00 – 13:30: Bosstrompeten Musi – Traditional Styrian dance music.
• 13:45 – 14:15: Bloco Budapest – Samba from Hungary.
• 14:35 – 15:05: Alegria Geral – Axé and Samba Reggae from Graz.
• 15:25 – 15:55: Vento Sul – Samba Reggae from Austria.
• 16:15 – 16:45: Music cabaret with Michael Großschädl.
• 17:00 – 18:10: Carnival parade with Batucada workshop presentations and more.
• 18:30: Welcome speech by the Mayor and Governor.
• 19:00 – 19:40: Stadtkapelle Hartberg (local brass band performance).
• 20:00 – 20:45: Austro Brazil Connection: Fusion of Austrian instruments with Brazilian percussion.
• 21:05 – 21:35: Escola de Samba BATURIM Show.
• 21:50 – 22:05: Vienna Samba Dance Show with Luciana Sousa & Friends.
• 23:00 onwards: Evening continues in local pubs around the main square.

Sunday, August 11th, 2024

• 10:00 – 11:15: Outdoor samba mass with Dechant Dr. Josef Reisenhofer.
• 11:15 onwards: Brazilian food and drinks available at stands in the main square.
• 11:35 – 12:15: Duo deeLinde & Emiliano – Austria-Brazil crossover performance.
• 12:30 – 12:45: Capoeira Senzala Show from Graz.
• 13:00 – 13:50: Arará – Interactive family concert “A Terra do Brasil.”
• 13:00 – 14:30: Yodeling workshop with Linde and Vinzenz Härtel.
• 14:05 – 14:35: Schuhplattler Show – Traditional dance by Landjugend Hartberg.
• 14:50 – 15:10: Presentation of the yodeling workshop.
• 15:30 – 16:00: Meretrio – Austria-Brazil Jazz Trio.
• 16:15 – 16:45: Austro Brazil Connection: Fusion of Austrian instruments with Brazilian percussion.
• 17:00 – 17:20: Escola de Samba BATURIM Medley with Vienna Samba Dance.
• 17:30 onwards: Evening continues in local pubs around the main square.

For anyone living in or near Graz, or even if you’re just visiting, the Samba in Hartberg Festival is a must-see event. It’s free to attend, and it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture while enjoying the hospitality of Austria. I can’t wait to see the town of Hartberg filled with the sounds and colors of Brazil, and I’m sure it will be a weekend to remember.

So, mark your calendars and join  for a celebration of samba, community, and culture at the Samba in Hartberg Festival 2024! For more information, you can visit the official website: Samba in Hartberg.

The story behind the Samba in Hartberg Festival

The Samba in Hartberg Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s the result of hard work, passion, and a deep love for Brazilian culture by six friends who are all members of the Escola de Samba Baturim. These dedicated individuals came together with the goal of sharing the vibrant energy of Brazilian music, dance, and culture with Austria. To bring their vision to life on a professional level, they formed the association “Kulturveranstaltungsverein Samba in Hartberg.”

Each member of this team plays a crucial role in making the festival a success. Clarissa Altmann, with her deep musical knowledge, is responsible for the musical direction, ensuring that the rhythms and sounds of samba are authentic and captivating. Paul Sommersguter handles logistics and sponsorship, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Michael Holzbauer, the financial expert, manages the budget to keep the festival financially sound. Dominique Werthmann, a trained hotelier, takes care of all matters related to accommodation and travel for performers and guests. Robert “Bobby” Pucher is the technical genius who solves any challenges related to the festival’s setup and equipment, while Stefanie Vogl, with her passion for marketing and communication, ensures that the festival reaches a wide audience.

The Heart and Soul Behind the Festival

While the organizing team is the backbone of the Samba in Hartberg Festival, the event wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of the dancers, volunteers, and the vibrant Brazilian community in Austria. Many Brazilians, along with other samba enthusiasts, passionately contribute their time and energy to bring the spirit of Brazil to Hartberg. From setting up stages to performing on them, these individuals are the heart and soul of the festival, ensuring that every beat of the drum and every step on the dance floor is filled with authenticity and joy.

Luciana Sousa

Luciana is dancing! She carries samba in her blood! Luciana is one of those people who doesn’t need to think twice before stepping onto the dance floor—if there is music, Luciana is on fire! Her energy and passion for samba are contagious, making her one of the festival’s standout performers.

The Sambistas Katharina and Kevinho

Katharina and Kevinho, a dynamic samba couple, also play a key role in the festival. Katharina, an Austrian, and Kevinho, who is Austro-Brazilian, are both passionate passistas who bring their love for samba to every performance.

Their deep connection to the music and to each other adds a special touch to the festival, showcasing the powerful blend of cultures that makes this event so unique.

Follow the Samba in Hartberg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sambainhartberg