To me, this is also a happy day because I have a 3 day weekend. Mine is at a much more superficial level than the entire country's level but I'll be honest. I've needed this break, hey, I've deserved this long weekend but I feel I should share what I've learned about the holiday, how we celebrated at EAB to make myself a feel a little more productive and also to honor my new home.
Earlier last week, we received an email from the Brazilian studies chair/guru that we would be having an Independence Day celebration on Friday morning.
She also shared how Brazil gained it's independence from Portugal. My knowledge level was only that. For those of you who want to learn more, here is a bit of Brazilian history for you...For those of you who'd rather skip the history, scroll down to the regular font again.
'This year Brazil is commemorating its 187th year of Independence. The Regent Dom Pedro I declared Brazilian Independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822.
In the year 1808, King John VI of Portugal decided to flee from the oncoming French troops of Napoleon and moved the government of Portugal to Brazil. Although King John VI was well liked, the Brazilian people did not feel the same about many of the nobles who accompanied him. They looked to his son Dom Pedro as their natural leader.
When King John VI returned to Portugal he left his son as Prince Regent of Brazil in April 1821. Powerful people in Portugal ordered that Dom Pedro also return to Portugal, because they were afraid of his growing popularity and power in Brazil. Dom Pedro would not go back and declared the Independence of Brazil on September 7, 1822 and was crowned emperor.
Independence is life – and that is why Dom Pedro chose it when he said, “INDEPENDENCE OR DEATH”.
We are very happy and very proud to say that the first country to recognize the newly Independent Brazil was the United States of America in 1824.'
All week long my students helped to prepare for the celebration in their Portuguese and Brazilian Social Studies classes. The bulletin boards were decorated with flags and streamers. My students had song lyrics for the national anthem and other patriotic songs in their notebooks.
The kids (and I) were very excited because we were to wear Brazilian flag colors...bright blue, green or yellow and we could wear jeans. Yea! Not a part of the Friday routine for us.
So, I wore my bright green shirt and jeans. My class rolled in wearing a sea of blue, green and yellow from head to toe. Many had stopped by the art room on the way and even had the colors painted on their faces. 
One thing I should mention before going any further is that Friday was the hottest day it's been since I moved to Brasilia. The assembly was great but the heat made it difficult to concentrate. Even for me! You can see how sunny it was from the squinty eyes in all the photos, but the heat, man oh man...
One thing I should mention before going any further is that Friday was the hottest day it's been since I moved to Brasilia. The assembly was great but the heat made it difficult to concentrate. Even for me! You can see how sunny it was from the squinty eyes in all the photos, but the heat, man oh man...
The entire school went outside to the soccer field at 9:15 a.m. The program had songs, a dramatic performance and more singing. 
The Brazilian, US and Federal District flags were raised. It was amazing to see the patriotism from young to old. Everyone has their Brazilian colors. I was told my the PE teacher that I needed to buy a Brazil shirt. I told him I was wearing one. He told me, it didn't count and I should buy one. Put that on the list for the next holiday...
The entire assembly was performed in Portuguese. All songs, all speaking. This made is a little challenging for me. Talk about using my observations to know when to stand, sing, etc. 
Can you see their passion for Brazil? It's all over their faces! Or it's their face after a 40 minute long assembly in the heat. Not sure...you decide.I really enjoyed the entire assembly, minus the heat, but to bring everyone together around the day, from 3-year-olds to 18-year-olds. Being an expat in another country, it's always amazing to see how much pride people take in their country. It's not a surprise, but just wonderful to be a part of the pride.
Above is a brief video clip of one song some of the kids sang. The song itself is a well-known song and the lyrics were changed so the quality is not the point here. They kids are singing, "Brazil is muito bom." Meaning Brazil is great! That's the point, especially on Independence Day. And I definitely have to say it's true. Brazil is pretty great.
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